Repeated problem with dimmer switch?
 

Everyone,

A few years ago I replaced the dimmer/turn signal switch in my 1982 911SC with the Valeo ("OE supplier") version from our host. A year later it began turning on the high beams with the slightest nudge—even a bump in the road. I sighed, figured it was bad luck, and ordered another. Now, safely out of the warranty period, the new one is doing exactly the same thing. Barely touching the switch flips my 100-watt high beams on whatever unfortunate is ahead of or coming toward me.

Has anyone else had this issue? Would ordering the more expensive Porsche branded part make a difference, or is the Valeo exactly the same product?

I appreciate any similar experiences or advice.

Remove the switch and bend the contact strips further apart. Easy to do and free.

could it be the turn signal /hi-lo beam stalk instead? they sometimes do that.

jonathan -- are you running headlight relays? As delivered from the factory, all of the headlight current runs through the turn signal high/low stalk and most folks running normal wattage bulbs (me included) run into the problem you're having. Fixing/bending the contacts on the high beam switch is covered in a number of threads -- here's one http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/258555-headlight-dimmer-repair.html

Our host sells a relay kit from JWEST that bypasses the current around the high beam switch and should be a long term fix with your 100w bulbs Headlight Relay Kit JWST911HLPR - JWest Engineering - JWST-911-HLPR | Pelican Parts

I recently replaced my turn signal/headlight switch with a valero branded switch (for a different reason) and have had no issues with it

I had the exact same thing happen to my replacement.
Bent the contacts further apart 3 years ago. No problem since.

So, 15 minutes on the Pelican forum and . . . problem solved. Thank you all; you undoubtedly have saved me $160! And thanks for the information about the relay kit as well; I didn't realize all the current ran through that switch.

Yes, the relays are a good fix. Mandatory if you run high voltage bulbs in your headlights. Porsche screwed up in this design.