A couple of switch questions

traveler · 06-22-2005, 11:04 AM

I've got a couple of problems with switches on the steering column of my '87 Targa that may or may not be related. The first is the high beam switch. When I turn on my headlights both the high and low beams are illuminated and if I pull back gently on the switch lever the high beams go off (as they should). Periodically the high beams will come back on and I have to pull back slightly on the switch to turn them back off. Is this just a switch that is wearing out?

The second problem is with the cruise control switch. About 1/2 of the time when I push up to engage the cruise control it works and the other half of the time it doesn't. Repeatedly trying doesn't help. If I wait 10 or fifteen minutes it might start working. Is this a bad switch or is it more likely a wire connection issue.

I also have a similar problem with my air conditioning blower switch. Most of the time it doesn't work but occasionally it does. I seldom use the AC, I remove the top instead, but my wife sometimes prefers to keep the top on and turn on the AC.

CarreraDan · 06-22-2005, 12:37 PM

Traveler,
I can only offer you my advise on the headlight switch. My 88 was doing the same thing for the last two months and I finally got tired of messing with the switch to turn the brights off every time I hit a bump at night. I searched for headlight switch here and read up on numerous threads. Some people have been able to take the switch apart and bend the contacts so it is better, I decided to go ahead and order a new one just in case that didn't work.

When I got the switch off the car the inside was toast, the contacts had all worn to the point that there was nothing left and the springs were shot (glad I had the replacement on hand). The hardest part of installing the new switch for me was getting the plug end through the hole were the steering column meets the dash. Remember to not disconnect the old stalk switch from the round headlight switch until you have the new one ready to go b/c you could easily forget where the wires go. I changed the wires one at a time and put everything back together in about an hour. I also took some time to wire tie some loose wires under the dash. When I reconnected the battery the lights worked great and best of all the high beams no longer have a mind of their own.

All and all this wasn't a bad project and it always feels good to save money on labor. If you have any specific questions feel free to ask.

traveler · 06-22-2005, 01:37 PM

Daniel,
Thanks for the info. That's kinda what I suspect is the problem with mine. I'm going to order a new switch.

Anyone else,
Any clue about the other two switches. My first guess is that the connections need to be reseated. Anyone agree or disagree?

scottb · 06-22-2005, 05:17 PM

Dan's advice is right on. Swap out the wires one by one. Also, now's a good time to put a relay in your headlight system. Do a search for "Sucro" and buy his relay kit. It's about $25, and well worth every penny.

traveler · 06-22-2005, 05:31 PM

Scottb.
Thanks. Actually, I already did the headlight relays and put higher power headlights in. I'm ready to tackle the high beam switch.

What about the other two switches?

scottb · 05:40 PM

The first thing I would do for the cruise and a/c problems would be to pull the fuses for each of those circuits and check for corrosion. 18-year-old fuses can cause problems sometimes. It might help to clean them up with a little emory cloth or steel wool. I've heard that some people use pencil erasers to clean up fuses.

I'm not a Porsche electrical expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm pretty sure there's a headlight relay in the fuse box, and I think there's an a/c relay in the smuggler's box. They could be sticking, or have dirty contacts. You might consider replacing them. Beyond that, I'm out of suggestions. Good luck.