Coupla' headlamp relay issues

green71 · 02-11-2002, 08:06 PM

Hi,

My headlamps no longer switch from dim to bright via the signal stalk. Yesterday they worked fine. The symptoms are interesting: the dims & brights take turns coming on as the light switch is pulled, turned off & pulled on again. I.e., pull on=dim, push off, pull on=bright, push off, etc.

The dimmer switch (signal stalk) is making good contact, but no dimming, click, noise, etc. occurs. I've just rewired the headlamps to stock recently and they've been working fine. I'm thinking shot headlight relay. Any takers?

So I went to install a new headlight relay (111 941 583) that I bought a while back but bad news: The terminal numbers don't match.

Old relay (and wiring diagram) indicate 56, 56a, S, F.
New relay indicates 30, 56, 56a, 56b, S.

Both PP and the local Porsche parts shop sell this as the correct relay. Question is, how does one install it?

Any help would be great.

Thanks,

Mark

pbanders · pbanders's Garage

Hmm, I'll try to research your question on the relay connections, but from the symptom you describe, that's my bet for where your problem is. It's some sort of bistable switch, your old one has decided to be a monostable switch.

Isn't there a little picture on the side of the relay that shows what pins do what?

philinjax · 02-12-2002, 05:12 AM

Mark,

I assume when you refer to the headlight relay, you mean headlight dimmer relay. The new relay you have may be a
dimmer relay but, it's not for a 914. All 914 dimmer relays
are 4 prong.

Phil

philinjax · 02-12-2002, 05:30 AM

On second think, perhaps the 4 prong dimmer relays are NLA and the new relay is a substitute. Then pbanders is right. There should be a diagram on the side of the new relay to guide you as to where the four wires go.

Phil

green71 · 02-12-2002, 05:59 AM

Guys,

Nope, no diagram. Just the maker's mark and the contact numbers. Phil - I think you're right about the 4-prong being NLA.

The old relay had a metal clip that attached it to the relay board. Could this have served as a ground? If so, I need to find a way to ground this new relay as well.

Thanks,

Mark

pbanders · pbanders's Garage

OK, this is for the Bug, but I think it maps the terminals for you:

http://www.oldvolkshome.com/headrelay.pdf

Check it out.

green71 · 02-12-2002, 03:51 PM

Bullseye.

Brad, I owe you a beer. That diagram should be posted on this site if it isn't already.

Thanks guys,

Mark