widebodytarga

I have an 08 Targa 4 with halogen headlights. I'd like to upgrade the bulbs or add an aftermarket HID system but want to remove the headlights beforehand to see how much space there is behind the assembly's. Does anyone know the procedure to remove the headlight assembly's? I tried a search but I didn't find a description of this process for the 997.1.

jhbrennan

The procedure is in your owner's manual with pictures too. Look in the index under "Bulbs - replacing" - should be page 268 or close by

widebodytarga

I misplaced my owners manual, is there a source I can track down someplace on these forums or online?

jhbrennan

Join Renntech.org and you can download one. Might also Google "porsche owners manual" and see what shows up.

Edgy01

Go park in front of a 7-11 in a Florida 'hood' and some kid will remove them for you in less than 2 minutes. (That was a problem when the 997 was first introduced and seemed problematic to the Florida region only).

semicycler

http://www.porsche.com/all/media/pdf...rrera_PCNA.pdf

Start at page 270

widebodytarga

Tried using the procedure in the manual. Out the tool in and turned it 180 degrees however I couldn't get the light to unlock. Any of you know any tricks to release the headlamp?

StormRune

It's easy to miss getting the tool all of the way on the "bolt" that allows you to turn it. There is quite a bit of springy resistance when you have it right (if it is completely rigid you are turning the wrong way). If it is spinning too freely you haven't gotten the tool all of the way on yet. Try repositioning and inserting the tool more deeply (maybe you are off to the side). BTW, there will be quite a pop when it releases... a bit scary the first time.

semicycler

Try the other side first too. If I recall you turn it different directions depending upon the side. Turn towards the front of the car to release, towards the rear to reinstall. It makes a pretty good pop sound, almost like you broke it.

Petza914

Once you get them out and are putting them back in, put a little silicone or something on the bent metal rod that locks the light into place and also on the plastic portion of the headlight assembly. I've seen these bind up to where they either couldn't be removed, the fitting in the end of the bar assembly became stripped, or they had to be turned so hard, part of the assembly became broken. Putitng a little lubricant (but not something oily) on them will make them easier to reinstall, and then deinstall the next time you need to remove them for some reason.

semicycler

In case you are still having problems, use a 5mm socket on a long extension and turn counter clockwise for the left, clockwise for the right to remove. See this Getty bumper removal for info on the headlights: http://www.gettydesign.com/frp/997/Bumper.pdf

widebodytarga

Got them out yesterday. Apparently I had not pushed the tool in all the way. Once I did the headlights came out easily. Thank you all for your comments!

Sporty

Can you let us know what you ended up installing and how they compare to the OEM halogens? pictures for comparison if possible-thanks

widebodytarga

I ended up installing the Hella Xenon Blue light bulbs. They are DOT legal and supposedly a 4000k light temperature. If im honest, I'm a bit disappointed in the color of these bulbs. They are a bit more white and less yellow then OEM bulbs but not by much. They are not white enough to resemble HID's in my opinion. I think in order to make a real difference you need a 6000k bulb which wouldn't be road legal. That being said the Hella bulbs do seem brighter despite the fact they are the same wattage as the OEM's. Will try to post a pic soon.

Sporty

Thanks for the update WBT. Not a big priority right now but I might have to bite the bullet and ultimately go for the HID conversion as I don't think there is a suitable(halogen)HID like bulb out there within the safe wattage range. Would still like to see pics at some point if not too much trouble.