High Beam doesn't work....isn't bulb. what else to check?

[IanW505]

Like the topic says, drivers side high beam isn't working. Thought it was the bulb, which i replaced. Nothing still. What else should i check, relays, switches, wires, etc.?? i have H1's on a '84 targa. Many thanks!

-Ian

[sfmlaw17]

Have you tried the fuse? There are 4 fuses, 1 for each high and 1 for each low. Easy to burn just 1 out and not effect the others.

[IanW505]

I would, if i knew where the fuses were. They're the things right behind the bulb assembly?

[no substitute]

Front trunk (the only trunk) drivers side, plastic cover pops off. I'm assuming the Carreras have the same fuse box location as the SC.

[IanW505]

Yep, got it. The Number 1 fuse on the front most part is broken, which according to the plastic cover is for the left high beam. Duh. problem solved. It's a white fuse i think? what does that correspond to and do carerra's have spare fuses anywhere?

Thanks Sean and No Sub, appreciate the help!

[jrdavid68]

Originally posted by IanW505
Yep, got it. The Number 1 fuse on the front most part is broken, which according to the plastic cover is for the left high beam. Duh. problem solved. It's a white fuse i think? what does that correspond to and do carerra's have spare fuses anywhere?

Thanks Sean and No Sub, appreciate the help!

Do you happen to have the original tool kit? It came with a few spare fuses. Mine were tucked down in one of the pockets and I "stumbled" across them when going through the tool kit.

[no substitute]

I believe it goes white, red, blue--8, 16, 25, someone check me here. Fairly common Beetle fuses.

[djmcmath]

Available at your local VW dealership, perhaps? I've been wondering what I'd do if my fuses ever blew. ...

Dan

[no substitute]

Originally posted by djmcmath
Available at your local VW dealership, perhaps? I've been wondering what I'd do if my fuses ever blew. ...

Dan

I believe Pelican would have these, often come on a blister pack with all colors. maybe you can use something else to save on shipping. If you need them sooner, Bow-Wow if they're still in business, or the shop near Sea-Tac airport on the strip will have them, as well as some auto supply places.

[klaucke]

My local Autozone and Napa carry the fuses I need for the 911 and my bug.

[sfmlaw17]

Geez, you guys are fast. I take a long lunch and get back and the problem is completely solved. Happy to help out. I ordered a package of each size fuses from Pelican to keep on hand in case of these emergencies. You never know.

[IanW505]

Excellent idea Sean, i think i'll do that too and just keep them in the car. In the meantime, i'll run up to the local porsche dealer and grab the one i need. Like Sean said, you guys are awesome, thanks so much for the help.

These fuses just screw in and out? i've never seen a fuse with the metal strip exposed like this.

-Ian

[steve911]

Originally posted by IanW505
These fuses just screw in and out? i've never seen a fuse with the metal strip exposed like this.

Ian--
Its a tension fit, not a screw in. GENTLY pull back one of the ends and replace the fuse. Kinda like putting a battery into something. I'd recommend using some fine grit sand paper on the terminal ends to ensure good contacts.

[djmcmath]

Right -- tension fit. It has little spring-plate thingies (technical term) on either end. I've never seen anything like it before! I usually put a little electrical-silicon-grease on electrical stuff before putting it back together too, but that's just me.


Dan


PS -- I was actually thinking of Bow-Wow before Pelican. I wonder if there's a price difference between VW fuses and Porsche fuses?

[IanW505]

Problem solved, thanks to all that helped. Got me a bunch of fuses on Pelican too, 10 bucks for 30! woohoo.

-Ian