headlights only work after driving for a while?

[mwetter]

I have read several posts about failed headlight switches and assume that is what I will need. The only characteristic that is strange with mine is that if I drive for 10 minutes or so and switch the lights off and on again, then the headlights seem to work fine. The first 10 mins are a challenge...the fog lights don't illuminate the road very well at night.

Is there any known correlation between the headlights and the car being "warmed up"?

By the way, I have the bi-xenons.

Thanks again.

Mike

[wdonovan]

Very feasable that after some minutes, a bad switch contact can arc to make the circuit. A switch with oil on the contact for instance will act like a time delay switch.

[Loren]

I agree with wdonovan - the main headlight switches are know to wear out and fail causing erratic light behavior.

[mwetter]

That did it! I replaced the headlight switch and everything is good to go.

Thanks to everyone on this forum for the great advice.

BTW, the job was quite simple once I figured out how to remove the switch knob... I found a tip on a Boxster forum. The trick is to pull out the switch all the way (like you are using the rear fogs) and then use a small flat head screwdriver to release the little latch at the 6 O'Clock position. The rest is pretty obvious.

[wdonovan]

Quite happy for you that it was the main switch. My fear and source of many nightmares is the thought that someday I'll have to replace the headlight dimmer switch in the steering column. In the parts book it looks like everything that sticks out of the steering wheel is one very, very complicated part. It actually looks like it could be the most expensive part on the car.