Headlight dimmer repair?

[mikemdd]

The headlight dimmer on my 87 930 will not stay on "low beam" unless you put slight pressure on the stalk and hold it there (ie it won't stay engaged for low beam). High beam works fine. The car only has 23K miles on it and is rarely driven at night, so it is not just worn out from many miles of use. I have installed the Sucro relays already (maybe too late??). Anyway, just wondering if there are simply some contacts that can be adjusted or whether I probably need to replace the entire switch?

Thanks

Mike

[brcorp]

I had the same problem, first trying blowing out the contact area with some canned air - this may work for a short time. The real fix requires that you manipulate the contacts with a small pair of needle nose pliers. If you watch the contacts as you move the lever you'll see what needs to be done.

[scottb]

Originally posted by mikemdd
I have installed the Sucro relays already (maybe too late??).

You're absolutely correct!!

What's happened is that the contacts inside the switch have burned. If you search on the board, some people have reported success with opening the switches up and cleaning them.

My view was that if I was going to go to the hassle of removing the steering wheel and switch, I was going to replace the switch. It's not a difficult job.

Good luck.

[mikemdd]

Thanks for the responses.

Bill: did you adjust the contacts in situ or did you have to remove the switch?

Thanks again.

MIke

[Howard M]

I've done the headlight contact realignment thing in the past on my '76 911. It is not hard to do on the column, but long needle nose pliers are a help. You can observe the action of the contacts with various headlight switch functions and bend them as required. I forget if the steering wheel has to be removed in addition to the clamshells, but if it does it's a good opportunity to polish and lube the horn contact.

[john walker's workshop]

the thicker metal bar above the thin brass strips needs to be bent very slightly toward the brass strips. support it's pivot point when you do the bending or it can pop out. the ends of the brass strips run in a plastic slider that tends to melt in place. if it's melted, replace the switch.

[HarryD]

Here's a picture from i_got_an_sc to help you out:



You can read the thread here: turn signal switch quick fix pictures

[mikemdd]

This is great. Thanks much to all for taking time to provide valuable advice and support!

MIke

[mikemdd]

Thanks for everyone's help. I followed your advice and fixed the switch. Fortunately, the contacts weren't burnt, but rather the contact strips just needed to be bent to separate the low beam contacts from the high beam contacts. Very easy job. You guys saved me a lot of grief and $$....Thanks.

Mike

[HarryD]

Glad to help out.

I just installed relays and did the bending thing. My headlights are considerably brighter. Took only an hour or so.

BTW, I used to have a '79 Spitfire (bought new with Hardtop and OD). there are days when I miss it.

[RFR]

great thread! I have the same problem