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Posted by: jPs Aug 26 2004, 06:17 PM

Hi All,

I picked up a 914 a week ago and am trying to iron out a few bugs before I get it back on the road and have reached a point where I sure could use a little advise. So here it is: The headlights won't switch between hi/low and in trying to figure this out I took the steering wheel off to check the turn/hi/low switch. It looked good and so after cleaning it all up I still didn't have much luck. So I then took the relay out (on the fuse panel) and noted it looked new. The PO I got this from had given me some extra parts and I noticed the old relay mixed in with them. The difference between the two is the new one is 5 prong, the old is 4 prong. I put the old one in and it would switch between hi/lo but not all the time.

So, I called the porsche dealership and the manager was very helpful and suggested I contact the guys over at the VW side of the dealership and have them order the new relay as it would be cheaper. I picked it up today and it was the same 5 prong I already had. In short, I went back to porsche and ordered what will hopefully be a 4 prong but the guy said the parts sheet didn't show if it was 4 or 5 but we'd find out. So I guess my question is will the 5 prong work and if so anyone know how? The schematics look close but I don't do electronics very well and basically am clueless. One thing I know for sure is if I can get the new 5 prong working I could save some cash for other items I need.

Any advise is appreciated. Thanks!


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Posted by: jPs Aug 26 2004, 06:19 PM

prongs


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Posted by: double-a Aug 26 2004, 06:22 PM

yes, you can use the 5-prong, no problem. but you need to fashion a jumper from the 30 connector to... somewhere else. i forget now, but i've had to do this to my car since the new relays have that extra connection point. others will chime in, this is an easy fix.

oh, and another thing: welcome to the club!

~a

Posted by: SirAndy Aug 26 2004, 06:29 PM

from the schematics on the relays it looks like to make the 5-prong work one would simply have to splice the wire that goes to 56 and also have it go to 30 on the new relay ...

Andy

PS: in case it burns up, i never said the above!

Posted by: Tab914 Aug 26 2004, 06:31 PM

You can also open up the four prong relay by just folding back the metal around the base of the relay. Look in there and see if a contact just needs to be resoldered. I did this whith mine when it stopped working and a wire had somehow broken from it's contact. Once resoldered I put the cover back on the relay, rebent the metal to hold it to the base and it has been working fine since. SAVE CASH TOO. Hope you can do the same.

Posted by: double-a Aug 26 2004, 06:37 PM

andy's right, if you keep the new one, you'll need to jumper to 56. here's how i did mine.

~a


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Posted by: jPs Aug 26 2004, 06:53 PM

If you guys where here I'd buy ya'll a round of beer. Thanks for the quick response.

Now I can wire this tonight whooohooo! I can see the inspection station in my future tomorrow.

Posted by: double-a Aug 26 2004, 07:48 PM

you're welcome. i'm just thrilled that i knew the answer to someone's question for once!

~a

Posted by: SirAndy Aug 26 2004, 08:01 PM

ditto, i usually just babble nonsense ...

Andy

Posted by: pjhaun Aug 27 2004, 12:09 AM

Why do you necessarily have to jump 30 to 56?? Can you not just disregard or cut post 30?
Also what is the extra wire on post 56?

Thank You!!!!!

Posted by: double-a Aug 27 2004, 08:05 AM

according to the guy at the local porsche/vw shop where i bought the new relay, post 30 was designed to receive power. i understood from him that the new one wouldn't work right without the jumper, but what do i know? i'm no electrical guru, never tried it without the jumper come to think of it...

the extra plug on post 56 is part of the jwest foglight kit, which allows you to run your fogs without the lights being on, and flash them using the headlight stalk if you want. cool stuff!

~a

Posted by: jPs Aug 27 2004, 08:10 AM

I tried disregarding 30 and it didn't work. I jumpered it as described and it worked like a champ.

Thanks again folks...now if ups would deliver the flowmeter I ordered so I can tune the carbs to smooth the engine out I should be ready to hit the twistys around here.