Headlights

[hellblau82]

Hey guys

Can anyone tell me the typical behavior of the headlights for a 911sc

Pulling the switch one notch turns the lamps on but very dim (wasn't aware they come on) this should also activate interior lights dash ashtray defroster controls?

Pulling it two notches turns the low level lamps on

Switching the stalk to high beam turns them on high beam

Flashing the stalk flashes the high beams

[ossiblue]

Pulling the switch to the first notch should not turn on the headlights. The fact that they are dimly lit indicates a voltage leak/feedback from the circuit which should activate only the parking lights and dash lights. You may have a poor ground that allows the current to flow through the headlight circuit to ground itself.

[Algernon]

I think that your lights are fine!
The first position on the switch does not turn the headlights on (dimly), it turns on the 'City lights" that are inset into the headlight housing. These are low wattage extra bulbs for use in European cities when even dipped headlights are considered too bright. Look carefully into the headlights in this position and you should see the smaller bulbs near the main bulbs are all that is lit.

[hellblau82]

There's definitely something wrong I don't even know where to start the dash lights I got working but I think it all may be ha use of a bad ground..I have a really bad feeling I'm going to have to pull this whole harness

[hellblau82]

Originally Posted by Algernon

I think that your lights are fine!
The first position on the switch does not turn the headlights on (dimly), it turns on the 'City lights" that are inset into the headlight housing. These are low wattage extra bulbs for use in European cities when even dipped headlights are considered too bright. Look carefully into the headlights in this position and you should see the smaller bulbs near the main bulbs are all that is lit.

Thats correct, they are the only ones lit..but there definitely is some strange stuff going on in the gauges they are terribly dull and the blue light turns on in the speedo only when I don't have the ground connected to it..making me think there is some strange voltages from somewhere

[Algernon]

Bad grounds usually cause most of this kind of problem. Also remember, the dash lights never were very bright! Check all grounds and put LED dash lights and you may not have to pull the harness. Good luck!

[hellblau82]

Originally Posted by Algernon

Bad grounds usually cause most of this kind of problem. Also remember, the dash lights never were very bright! Check all grounds and put LED dash lights and you may not have to pull the harness. Good luck!

There pretty bad

[porwolf]

Originally Posted by Algernon

I think that your lights are fine!
The first position on the switch does not turn the headlights on (dimly), it turns on the 'City lights" that are inset into the headlight housing. These are low wattage extra bulbs for use in European cities when even dipped headlights are considered too bright. Look carefully into the headlights in this position and you should see the smaller bulbs near the main bulbs are all that is lit.

About those "City lights": The 2 or 4 Watt small light bulbs in the original headlights, like the Euro H4's, were designed not as driving lights but strictly as parking lights. It always has been illegal there to drive with them instead of the regular high or low beam lights. Those "City lights" are way too dim for using while driving at dark under any circumstances.

[timmy2]

Pull the dash light blue/black wire off the light switch and un 12v direct from the battery to the wire. If they go bright then the rheostat in the switch is limiting the current too much.
Did you turn it all the way bright ?

[hellblau82]

I moved the lights over to The license plate tab assuming this would be maximum output voltage

[DRACO A5OG]

Wow, I've seen low yellowish gauges but never that dark.

Sure like to see the bulbs on a direct battery lead, you did verify the proper voltage bulbs, right?

[Algernon]

Originally Posted by porwolf

About those "City lights": The 2 or 4 Watt small light bulbs in the original headlights, like the Euro H4's, were designed not as driving lights but strictly as parking lights. It always has been illegal there to drive with them instead of the regular high or low beam lights. Those "City lights" are way too dim for using while driving at dark under any circumstances.

If it's illegal to drive in the city on 'city lights' and they are only meant for parking, what are 'parking lights' meant for?

[hellblau82]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

Wow, I've seen low yellowish gauges but never that dark.

Sure like to see the bulbs on a direct battery lead, you did verify the proper voltage bulbs, right?

Using Narva 12.5v 2watt globes pretty sure they are the correct ones.

I've put one accross the battery and it's hard to compare to be honest

[trj911]

Mine were like that and I switched to LED bulbs. Much better!

[SCadaddle]

Originally Posted by Algernon

If it's illegal to drive in the city on 'city lights' and they are only meant for parking, what are 'parking lights' meant for?

The "parking lights" are the amber turn signal lights/lenses in the front bumper and the rear turn signal lights. With no key in the ignition and the light switch in the OFF position, move the turn signal stalk to one side. Those lights should be on continuously. Try the other side. It depends on which side of the active street you park on as to which ones to illuminate.

[hellblau82]

Switching over to LEDs..unbelievable how crap these are ha

[timmy2]

12.5v 2 watt lamps sound correct.
Shut the gararge door and go completely dark for a while and see if it looks ok.

[porwolf]

Originally Posted by Algernon

If it's illegal to drive in the city on 'city lights' and they are only meant for parking, what are 'parking lights' meant for?

The so-called 911 "city lights" are electrically connected to the parking lights and operate just the same. They are on when the parking lights are on.

[rlane930]

Originally Posted by porwolf

The so-called 911 "city lights" are electrically connected to the parking lights and operate just the same. They are on when the parking lights are on.

+1 - they were RoW only and I highly doubt there are any city light police as they just look like dim day running lights on any other car on the road today. For daytime driving, I always use city lights and I don't intend to molest the factory 4-watt bulbs. I like them dim and if you want bright, just turn on your headlights

[hellblau82]

Seeing mine is AUS delivered I'm going to go with this being normal then!
Cheers guys!