Super strange pop up headlight problem, up down up down up down.... up? |
|
Porsche, and the Porsche crest are registered trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG.
This site is not affiliated with Porsche in any way. Its only purpose is to provide an online forum for car enthusiasts. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. |
|
Super strange pop up headlight problem, up down up down up down.... up? |
betz |
Oct 13 2020, 06:04 PM
Post
#1
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 76 Joined: 22-October 18 From: San Leandro, CA Member No.: 22,593 Region Association: Northern California |
So I'm getting into the weeds on my 914 project and trying to get everything working that make a car a car before I decide it's worth it to start swapping the engine. You know, seat belts, headlights, mirrors, brakes. I don't wanna die here.
I start getting into the headlights, since they just flat out didn't work at all, and start with that pelican parts article about headlight motors. I jump the pins that are supposed to make the headlights cycle up and down... nothin. Next step it tells me to check the fuses. Alright. Well shoot there isn't even a fuse there. Pop that bad boy in and... yay? oh wait, what. This happens: https://photos.app.goo.gl/G3iazJWDv2keQbkt7 The obvious solution was new relays, so I ordered them and put them in but the new relays did nothing. To describe the problem: Headlight switch on, ignition on: Headlights stay up Headlight switch off, ignition on: Headlights cycle up and down continuously Headlight switch on, ignition off: Headlights will stay up Headlight switch off, ignition off: headlights will retract nicely to the down position. I figure it's probably something to do with the motor wiper thing I have vaguely heard about... if anyone can point me to some useful articles on troubleshooting or restoring that system, or any other way I can fix this it would be greatly appreciated. Also worth mentioning, during this whole time the headlights have not illuminated. I ordered some new bulbs because they were cheap anyways, doubt that has anything to do with the issue, but who knows. Any help appreciated! |
r_towle |
Oct 13 2020, 06:42 PM
Post
#2
|
Custom Member Group: Members Posts: 24,574 Joined: 9-January 03 From: Taxachusetts Member No.: 124 Region Association: North East States |
Headlight switch melted
|
betz |
Oct 13 2020, 06:53 PM
Post
#3
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 76 Joined: 22-October 18 From: San Leandro, CA Member No.: 22,593 Region Association: Northern California |
|
altitude411 |
Oct 13 2020, 06:57 PM
Post
#4
|
I drove my 6 into a tree Group: Members Posts: 1,306 Joined: 21-September 14 From: montana Member No.: 17,932 Region Association: Rocky Mountains |
|
DANNYMAC |
Oct 13 2020, 07:11 PM
Post
#5
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 86 Joined: 8-July 20 From: NORTH HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA Member No.: 24,470 Region Association: Southern California |
So I'm getting into the weeds on my 914 project and trying to get everything working that make a car a car before I decide it's worth it to start swapping the engine. You know, seat belts, headlights, mirrors, brakes. I don't wanna die here. I start getting into the headlights, since they just flat out didn't work at all, and start with that pelican parts article about headlight motors. I jump the pins that are supposed to make the headlights cycle up and down... nothin. Next step it tells me to check the fuses. Alright. Well shoot there isn't even a fuse there. Pop that bad boy in and... yay? oh wait, what. This happens: https://photos.app.goo.gl/G3iazJWDv2keQbkt7 The obvious solution was new relays, so I ordered them and put them in but the new relays did nothing. To describe the problem: Headlight switch on, ignition on: Headlights stay up I've seen this before, but can't remember what it was, what solved it ? Someone here will know Headlight switch off, ignition on: Headlights cycle up and down continuously Headlight switch on, ignition off: Headlights will stay up Headlight switch off, ignition off: headlights will retract nicely to the down position. I figure it's probably something to do with the motor wiper thing I have vaguely heard about... if anyone can point me to some useful articles on troubleshooting or restoring that system, or any other way I can fix this it would be greatly appreciated. Also worth mentioning, during this whole time the headlights have not illuminated. I ordered some new bulbs because they were cheap anyways, doubt that has anything to do with the issue, but who knows. Any help appreciated! |
betz |
Oct 13 2020, 07:31 PM
Post
#6
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 76 Joined: 22-October 18 From: San Leandro, CA Member No.: 22,593 Region Association: Northern California |
Thanks but I've seen this thread. Haven't looked at it since I tried the new relay though. I mean I'm just confused why it would be the switch... Something in the "headlight off" position of the switch is shorting out somewhere? |
altitude411 |
Oct 13 2020, 07:39 PM
Post
#7
|
I drove my 6 into a tree Group: Members Posts: 1,306 Joined: 21-September 14 From: montana Member No.: 17,932 Region Association: Rocky Mountains |
|
betz |
Oct 13 2020, 09:55 PM
Post
#8
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 76 Joined: 22-October 18 From: San Leandro, CA Member No.: 22,593 Region Association: Northern California |
Do you mean the high/low beam relay? Well I figure if they're totally separate circuits then it's probably two separate issues. For now Im going to focus on the headlight motor. I guess I'm in the market for another switch now though haha. Seems to often be the problem. |
altitude411 |
Oct 14 2020, 06:32 AM
Post
#9
|
I drove my 6 into a tree Group: Members Posts: 1,306 Joined: 21-September 14 From: montana Member No.: 17,932 Region Association: Rocky Mountains |
Two ways to fix a problem...
1) replace all parts involved 2) test/check then replace broken part QUOTE (betz) "if anyone can point me to some useful articles on troubleshooting or restoring that system, or any other way I can fix this it would be greatly appreciated." The links show how to diagnose your problems, solution #2 Your credit card will handle solution #1 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) |
VaccaRabite |
Oct 14 2020, 06:43 AM
Post
#10
|
En Garde! Group: Admin Posts: 13,444 Joined: 15-December 03 From: Dallastown, PA Member No.: 1,435 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
My guess is the headlight switch as well.
Just remember, only replace one thing at a time. The PO probably pulled the fuse to get the headlights to stop cycling after the switch failed. Zach |
betz |
Oct 14 2020, 09:30 AM
Post
#11
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 76 Joined: 22-October 18 From: San Leandro, CA Member No.: 22,593 Region Association: Northern California |
Two ways to fix a problem... 1) replace all parts involved 2) test/check then replace broken part QUOTE (betz) "if anyone can point me to some useful articles on troubleshooting or restoring that system, or any other way I can fix this it would be greatly appreciated." The links show how to diagnose your problems, solution #2 Your credit card will handle solution #1 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) Haha, good point. I guess I was looking for more in depth on the "headlight wiper" system but I don't see anyone in here recommending adjustments for that. Looks like I'm in the market for a new (used) switch! My guess is the headlight switch as well. Just remember, only replace one thing at a time. The PO probably pulled the fuse to get the headlights to stop cycling after the switch failed. Zach I did figure that one out. Seems pretty in-line with the previous owner's "fixes" |
betz |
Oct 14 2020, 10:41 AM
Post
#12
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 76 Joined: 22-October 18 From: San Leandro, CA Member No.: 22,593 Region Association: Northern California |
I think I just fixed the problem!!
I pulled out the switch and found it like this: (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-22593-1602693825.1.jpg) I put the wire back where it looks like it should go and... wha la- working headlights! Strange thing was, pulling it out the headlights weren't working at all. The wire must have been contacting something else to cause the problem. Oh well. Best not question it too much- problem solved! |
Lo-Fi Version | Time is now: 17th May 2024 - 02:19 PM |
All rights reserved 914World.com © since 2002 |
914World.com is the fastest growing online 914 community! We have it all, classifieds, events, forums, vendors, parts, autocross, racing, technical articles, events calendar, newsletter, restoration, gallery, archives, history and more for your Porsche 914 ... |