996 Headlamp Problem (Litronic?)

[ST013]

My 2001 996 tiptronic is experiencing a headlamp problem. When I turn the headlight switch to the full on position (all the way right) the headlamps start to "strobe" (consistent short burst of light similar to the strobe lights on a airplane). The headlamps never actually illuminate. The driving lamps (switch position 1) work fine as do the fog lamps (switch pulled out). Anyone experience something similar?

I did read online that you can test the dash switch by tapping it moderately once (doing so will apparently sometime light the headlamps identifying a switch problem). I tried this with no sucess.

Also, my 996 is equiped with headlight washers. Is this a sure sign that I have the Litronic headlight option? Short of pulling out the entire headlight assembly, is their a way to tell which lighting system I have?

Thanks for the help.

[Loren]

Litronics look like this - note the round focusing lens.

Not the best shot - but Halogen look like traditional lights.

If both lights are affected I would bet you have a bad headlight switch.

[Tool Pants]

Washers were an option with standard halogen headlights, and standard with factory installed lits. But from you description it sure sounds like you have lits. If you have 601 on the option sticker then for sure you have them.

[JeTexas]

I have a 99 996 with Halogens and the washers, so I don't think having washers would be any indication.

I'm going to second Loren's guess that it's a contact in the switch.

[ST013]

The photo's are very helpfull. I'm now confident that I have the Litronics. My next step will be to replace the dashboard switch and hopefully that resolves the problem. Thanks again.