914-4 headlight 'Combi Relay' 111-941-583A, 1974 car with headlights that refuse to retract, need relay Options

[Jezibel]

Hi folks. I need to find a 914-4 Combi headlight 4-pin relay, Porsche 111-941-583A, which everyone tells me simply do not exist any more (except as perhaps salvaged 'used' parts). Auto Atlanta, SMC, 914 Rubber, et al, all offer the 5-pin relay (111-941-583) that fits '75/'76 914s as a replacement, which of course the earlier 4-pin cars they are not compatible with.

This is a real stumper and I know that many of you may have likely encountered this frustration in the past. What I need to know is 1) Does anyone still sell the 4-pin relays or is everyone selling the incompatible 5-pin relays? 2) Are they available anywhere other than possibly via salvaged units from junk yards?

You'd think that there would still be some of these floating around in Germany or England, but so far I've had no luck pursuing that option.

I can't believe that some bright person hasn't figured out that this is a BIG problem that cries for redress. I know that the 111-941-583A relay rarely fails, but if they do, a replacement is the only option.

I am also aware of the fact that a similar appearing relay made by VW starting with 381 that is a 4-pin relay appears as if it might be the same 4-pin headlight 'Combi' relay, but have no confirmation of that. I know there was a thread on this some time ago but don't know how to all it up. At any rate, even there they had no ready solutions to this perplexing problem.

Any helpfull insights would be most appreciated! I also hear that some Chinese-made 111-941-583 relays have been 'bridged' so as to work, but I'm not well informed about that and it sounds rather precarious to me to use one (if they are even offered anywhere).

[fixer34]

Is this what you are looking for? Also called a latching relay?

[Jezibel]

Is this what you are looking for? Also called a latching relay?

Yep. The 'Latching-type' headlight low/high beam relay. 111-941-583A. I've got a spare now, so I'll check the MAIN LIGHTS switch first, then the Latching-Relay. The fuses all seem to be good, so it's gotta be one or the other of these things, I reckon. -JEZIBEL

[Jezibel]

Yep. The 'Latching-type' headlight low/high beam relay. 111-941-583A. I've got a spare now, so I'll check the MAIN LIGHTS switch first, then the Latching-Relay. The fuses all seem to be good, so it's gotta be one or the other of these things, I reckon. -JEZIBEL
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OK. Replaced the 'Combi-relay' with a used (but supposedly serviceable) 111-941-583A unit. Also replaced all three of the 5-pin round relays on the fuse/relay board with non-German (supposedly identical) units (which I notice have pins that are a 1/4 inch longer than the German OEM type type). Checked all the fuses. Replaced the main lights switch with the correct 11-pin "late model" 914 switch (a 'used' spare). Patted myself on the back, rebolted the fuse/relay panel to the under dash. Made sure the "new" main lights switch was hooked up properly, and reattached the battery ground. Switched on the ignition and tried the main lights.

This time, the light buckets popped up (as they should), but no illumination at all in them. Brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights all operated properly, but no main head or tail lights at all. And the buckets still refuse to retract. ARRRRRRRRRRGH! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

I've just about run out of answers completely. Any Harry Potter wizards lurking around out there who can grant wishes?

[Jezibel]

[quote name='Jezibel' date='Jul 16 2026, 11:15 AM' post='3265277']
Yep. The 'Latching-type' headlight low/high beam relay. 111-941-583A. I've got a spare now, so I'll check the MAIN LIGHTS switch first, then the Latching-Relay. The fuses all seem to be good, so it's gotta be one or the other of these things, I reckon. -JEZIBEL
[/quote][/size]
-------------------------------------

OK. Replaced the 'Combi-relay' with a used (but supposedly serviceable) 111-941-583A unit. Also replaced all three of the 5-pin round relays on the fuse/relay board with non-German (supposedly identical) units (which I notice have pins that are a 1/4 inch longer than the German OEM type type). Checked all the fuses. Replaced the main lights switch with the correct 11-pin "late model" 914 switch (a 'used' spare). Patted myself on the back, rebolted the fuse/relay panel to the under dash. Made sure the "new" main lights switch was hooked up properly, and reattached the battery ground. Switched on the ignition and tried the main lights.

This time, the light buckets popped up (as they should), but no illumination at all in them. Brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights all operated properly, but no main head or tail lights at all. And the buckets still refuse to retract. ARRRRRRRRRRGH! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

I've just about run out of answers completely. Any Harry Potter wizards lurking around out there who can grant wishes?
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