Hi/Lo beam

[vracer]

"New" '89 lights stay on hi OK, but when switched to low, they go up-down, etc. Any ideas what I'm in for? Is it a DIY project &/or how much for labor? Source and cost of the part?
Thanx,
Richard

[Paul K]

Richard:

You might need to install a relay, to by-pass the switch on the stalk. I did that on my '89, but it was the high beams that quit...

Good luck!

Paul.

[pete3799]

Lots a info on this if you do a search.
Here's one to start with
turn signal switch quick fix pictures

[HarryD]

You actually need to do what both the abve posters said.

The Quick fix may restore your switch functionality, and if not, you will need to replace the switch.

The relays will keep it from happening again. You can build your own relay setup (this thread discusses it in depth: Sucro Relay Kit or buy a kit from our host here: JWest Relay Kit.

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by vracer

they go up-down, etc.
Richard

Not sure what you mean here? Do you mean the light assembly or the switch at the steering stalk?

If stalk, FREE, just a little modification and you will be set. Just did it and it works great!

+1 on relay, to get max voltage to the lo-beams

If assembly, need to post a pic of your issue for further advice.

Jim

[vracer]

Guys, you'll have to excuse me; I'm just getting around to these newfangled cars. I just sold my '61 Roadster & bought an '89 Targa. While the quality of the tech advise may not be quite as good as the 356 Registry, it is still first class. (That's not an insult; some of those guys have 50 years experience. Maybe by 2020, the level of experience will catch up.) ;>)
They look like good answers; thank you one & all.
Richard

[Wil Ferch]

The answers given here were technically 100% correct....I'm not quite sure what you're angling at.

The full headlight current goes thru the steering column switch...a bad design by Porsche who should know better. Ultimately, these contacts get hot, distort, fail and/or fuse together. Oftentimes only hi-beams then become operable.

The contacts ( if not too badly mangled) can sometimes be re-bent back into shape. But the damage has been done and who knows how long this kind of fix will last. In other cases the entire switch has to be replaced and its been documented here how to do that. A bit of a pain as to removal and access.

The use of relays, whether for stock headlight strength or if using higher wattage bulbs....is well-advised in either case. With relays , the steering column switch function then changes to operate a low-amperage ( REAL low amperage) trigger-circuit in the relay, which causes the RELAY CONTACTS within the relay.... to take the full brunt of the headlight wattage. A 100 or 1000-fold difference in load. With relays, the loading on the steering column switch goes way down, and once fixed, will last much longer.