Headlight issue

[clay1g]

My 87 3.2 is having headlight issues. It will go from low beam to high beam for no apparent reason. I have to click it down to low beam but then it will pop back into high beam all by itself. Anyone else experienced this and find out what the cause is?
Happy New Year!

[Monza_dh]

Not sure on the specific issue but do you have a Sucro or other relay installed? The H5 set up can be problematic (connectors can melt or worse, catch fire!) with higher wattage bulbs so be careful and good luck!

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by clay1g

My 87 3.2 is having headlight issues. It will go from low beam to high beam for no apparent reason. I have to click it down to low beam but then it will pop back into high beam all by itself. Anyone else experienced this and find out what the cause is?
Happy New Year!

My guess is that you have a broken, or corroded/dirty turn signal stalk as this does not appear to be an electrical problem.

There are may posts on this subject.

Here is the circuit.

Happy New Year,

Gerry

[Tcannon88]

..

[ruby911]

Does the stalk itself actually pop into high beam? Or, does the stalk stay put and the lights go to high beams? If the stalk is not moving, then it sounds like the contactors inside the stalk need adjusting. I did this and it is VERY easy - plenty of threads here on how to do it.

Good luck - Farrell

[wildcat077]

I had this happen to me this Summer as the high beams would come on by themselves and i would have to move the stalk back manually to go back on the lows...

After reading countless posts on the subject,i removed the stalk assembly only to find that it was beyond repair.
I purchased a used assembly on the classifieds forum for $75.00 dollars and it solved the problem.My next order from Pelican will include the relay kit as it`s supposed to prolong the life of the stalk/switch assemblies by redirecting the current through the relay.
There is lots of reading about the subject !!!

Phil

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by clay1g

My 87 3.2 is having headlight issues. It will go from low beam to high beam for no apparent reason. I have to click it down to low beam but then it will pop back into high beam all by itself. Anyone else experienced this and find out what the cause is?
Happy New Year!

Common problem. Tons of threads on the topic. Try search terms like "turn signal stalk" or "headlight flasher" or "headlamp flasher".

Be sure you find this thread: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/248149-turn-signal-switch-quick-fix-pictures.html.

[clay1g]

Thanks for the info. Do I have to take the steering wheel off to do this?

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by clay1g

Thanks for the info. Do I have to take the steering wheel off to do this?

Clay:

Yes you will. You will also need to remove the clamshell over the steering column. Once you remove the wheel you will see some bolts that hold the clamshell in position. you need to remove them PLUS the two tiny screws on each side of thee clamshell.

The wheel is fastened with a 27 mm nut.

When you go to loosen the wheel, DO NOT use the ignition lock to hold the wheel as it may break and then you will need to replace your ignition switch.

This thread has lots of good (and some bad) advice on how to R&R your stering wheel: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/259462-no-includen-ze-instructions-need-some-advice-momo-wheel-hub-quick-rel.html.

This thread may be helpful too: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/438237-interior-blinker-lever-install-howto.html

[clay1g]

Thanks for all the advice. This is an excellent forum! Unfortunately I don't have the tools to remove my steering wheel so I'm going to let my mechanic do it.
Thanks again!

[flatsixjunky]

Originally Posted by HarryD

Common problem. Tons of threads on the topic. Try search terms like "turn signal stalk" or "headlight flasher" or "headlamp flasher".

Be sure you find this thread: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/248149-turn-signal-switch-quick-fix-pictures.html.

+1, mine was the same until I read this thread. Problem gone since, no money spent.

I'ts very easy to take the steering wheel off, give it a try.

Take care,

O-

[RacerX1166]

Darn, wish I would have seen this thread before replacing my stalk.

I'll justify it as a good learning experience....

[FastCarFan]

Originally Posted by clay1g

My 87 3.2 is having headlight issues. It will go from low beam to high beam for no apparent reason. I have to click it down to low beam but then it will pop back into high beam all by itself. Anyone else experienced this and find out what the cause is?
Happy New Year!

The same thing started happening with my '88 before I put it inside for its long winter nap. Funny thing, I drove over 150 miles on 2-lane roads with the high-beams on & not one -- repeat, not one -- person flashed their lights at me! Proves the headlights on an old 911 are awful.

So maybe I don't even need to fix it. Maybe I can just drive with the high-beams on all the time!

[hcoles]

my memory is bad but I think this was the symptom on my car - there is a metal bar in the stalk light switch. If you bend it back it will work again and then be very careful with going from high beam to low beam or "blinking" the high beams.... my memory is that this puts big stress on the "bar" and causes the issue. My switch has remained fixed for about 7 years after I bent the bar back.