78 SC Targa Interior Pull Switches

[78_sc_targa]

I own a 78 Euro SC Targa.

I am wondering what the expected illumination is for the interior defroster and fog light pull switches are when the headlight switch is on?

Right now when I turn the headlights on neither the fog light or defroster pull switches illuminate. When I pull the switches they do illuminate.

In the case of the fog light switch, when I turn the switch clockwise it will illuminate but not turn on the fog lights (what is the function of this?). If I pull the fog light switch it will illuminate and turn on the fog light switch.

I have the 2-step defroster pull switch. Should it light up differently for each step?

Thanks....

[Bob Kontak]

My 81 Owners manual states that the switch knobs only illuminate when the circuit is energized.

Here is something I just learned and I bet (hope) you have your knobs confused, The defogger function is engaged by pulling the knob and the mirror defroster is engaged by turning the knob to the right. Either of these will kick in the defrost switch light.

Fog lights only work when knob pulled and only when low beams are on.

Did not see mention of two pull steps for either knob.

[78_sc_targa]

My defogger pull switch definitely has two steps (or positions). I read that there are both single position and two position defogger pull switches. My defroster pull switch only illuminates when pulled when the headlight switch is on. I have read that the pull switch should be illuminated even when the switch is off and the headlight pull switch is on?

Also, my fog light pull switch can both be both pulled and turned clockwise. I have no idea what the fog light switch is supposed to do when it is turned. My fog light pull switch illuminated when turn clockwise. It also illuminates when it is pulled. I have read that the fog light switch should illuminate in the off position when the headlight switch is on.

So I am trying to figure out what the intended illumination function should be for my car and my year.

[2stroke]

Do they all have mirror defrost ?

[RDM]

Originally Posted by 78_sc_targa

Also, my fog light pull switch can both be both pulled and turned clockwise. I have no idea what the fog light switch is supposed to do when it is turned. My fog light pull switch illuminated when turn clockwise. It also illuminates when it is pulled.

Turning the foglight switch should energize the rear foglight (not present on US cars, though the wire is still there).

[Arne2]

Later cars must be different. In my '84 (US) both switches are illuminated dimly whenever the dash lights are energized. Turning on the (worthless) fog lights or the rear defroster makes the switch glow brightly.

Also, the 2-step switch for the defroster on mine works light the OPs fog switch. Pull to turn on the middle section of the defroster grid, twist to turn on the upper and lower sections of the grid as well.

[78_sc_targa]

The fog light pull switch turning clockwise makes sense now. My sc is a euro model so they came with a red rear fog light.

So it seems to me that on a euro 78 sc targa the fog light pull switch and the defroster pull switch do not illuminate when the headlights are on.

[acapella8]

I can test mine tomorrow...

[78_sc_targa]

That would be great!

Thanks...

[RDM]

Originally Posted by 78_sc_targa

The fog light pull switch turning clockwise makes sense now. My sc is a euro model so they came with a red rear fog light.

So it seems to me that on a euro 78 sc targa the fog light pull switch and the defroster pull switch do not illuminate when the headlights are on.

That's the way my '80 works. No fancy stuff until the Carreras.

[nineball]

83SC - both fog and defrost are on when the lights are on and brighter once engaged.

Which interior switches illuminated? 84 Targa

in doing some research for my double activated defrost switch i found that the first pull out activates the middle defrost area, turning it does the top and bottom of the rear window. never tried turning the fog switch but since i don't have a rear i guess it doesn't matter much.

[porwolf]

Here is a page of my US 1979 SC manual re. fog light and defroster switch functions:

[acapella8]

Confirmed - turning the foglight switch energizes the rear foglight with 12v.

[78_sc_targa]

acapella8,

Your fog light and defroster pull switches don't light up when the headlight switch is on right?

[acapella8]

Correct. Also, I'm sure you've noticed the "euro parking" option. The turn signal is wired to turn on left hand side markers and left brake lamp. Engage left hand turn signal all he way down with no key and no switches on. I understand it was a parking "safety" feature for euro destination vehicles.

[Arne2]

My '84 US car also has the above mentioned "parking" light (single side). As I recall, Porsche (unlike other makes) included that in their US cars as well as the RoW cars.

[78_sc_targa]

acapella,

What lights up on your ventilation control panel (the 3 lever control unit)?

Mine seems to have the defrost off and defrost max lit up. I am also missing the icon on the upper left of the control panel, what does your control panel have there?

[timmy2]

Nothing in the upper left on my '78 Euro..

[acapella8]

Originally Posted by 78_sc_targa

acapella,

What lights up on your ventilation control panel (the 3 lever control unit)?

Mine seems to have the defrost off and defrost max lit up. I am also missing the icon on the upper left of the control panel, what does your control panel have there?

I can take pic when I get back to my garage showing illumination or lack therof.

I did NOT know that US models had the "Parking light" option, I thought that was unique to ROW models, but I learn something every day..

[78_sc_targa]

Thanks.

I have been going through the car replacing light bulbs. While doing so I wonder about the operation of some of the lights.

Next on the list is the seat belt and emergency brake warning lights. What does your red warning light say on it? Fasten Seat Belt / Brake? Does your seat belt warning light stay on for maybe 5-10 seconds and then automatically turn off? What about the buzzer sound? Is it a faint buzzing?