Headlight Switch - alternatives?

[p-talk]

So lastnight as I started my 924S, my headlights came up and the parking lights came up, but the headlights never did. I messed with the headlight switch and was able to get them to come on for a bit, but not stay on. After an hour, the only way I could get headlights was to pull back and hold the brights .

So I've searched the archives and saw people mentioning to taking apart the switch to clean the contacts,which I may do. But the switch sure looks alot to me like an old VW Rabbit switch - the shape is right, the contacts look similar (though I don't have one NOW to compare to, only online pics). The part numbers are different, but I have to ask - will an old VW Rabbit or Cabriolet switch work?

If not, anyone have a new source for this switch? I haven't been able to find one yet, and I'd rather replace with new if possible.

[idontknow]

The VW switches are slightly different. While the 944 switch has 5 small spades running through the center of the switch the VW parts have 3 small spades in the center.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/944M/POR_944M_ELlite_pg1.htm#item3
$55 + shipping from right here

[idontknow]

The VW and Porsche switch connections are inverted to one another as well.

[p-talk]

Right, thanks for the side-by-side. Close but no.

So, anyone have a source for a new one?

Originally Posted by idontknow

The VW and Porsche switch connections are inverted to one another as well.

[p-talk]

Duh, Pelican has them! - don't know how I missed this before . I'm planning to take apart the old switch in the next few days to clean contacts and see if I can fix it. Otherwise I'll order one through Pelican.

[p-talk]

Got my switch working over the weekend! Turns out some of the plastic inside had worn away causing the main headlight contacts to never touch. I shaped the plastic area that was messed up from time and wear, and cleaned all the contacts and reassembled and it works great!

Thanks to everyone for the advise and help.