Intermittent Headlight operation?

[badger15]

Hi all, my headlights are only turning on intermittently. Sometimes they turn on right away, sometimes, if I toggle the switch several times I can get them to turn on. I had a mechanic friend test the actual headlight switch and he said that it was fine, so it must be downstream from that point.

I have been getting an occasional ABS/PSM warning light as well. I was told to replace the MAF and it did not help. My mechanic friend also told me that the ABS/PSM system and the headlights share some of the same circuits...could the problems be related? I know that may be a long shot, but I would like to get to the bottom of the intermittent headlight operation.

Thanks as always for any wisdom you can share with me!

[Loren]

If it is both headlights - I think it must be the switch.

[castro41]

Hi all, my headlights are only turning on intermittently. Sometimes they turn on right away, sometimes, if I toggle the switch several times I can get them to turn on. I had a mechanic friend test the actual headlight switch and he said that it was fine, so it must be downstream from that point.

I have been getting an occasional ABS/PSM warning light as well. I was told to replace the MAF and it did not help. My mechanic friend also told me that the ABS/PSM system and the headlights share some of the same circuits...could the problems be related? I know that may be a long shot, but I would like to get to the bottom of the intermittent headlight operation.

Thanks as always for any wisdom you can share with me!

[castro41]

The issue with your lights sounds very typical of the failure of the backside of the ignition switch. Next time when the lights don't come on try wiggling the key. If they come on this is your problem. You may also notice that the fan doesn't run until you wiggle the key. Search the PCA sight for how to replace this. There are some DIY instructions for it and the switch is relatively cheap. I have the same problem on my 996 and looking into replacing it. Good luck.

[betty9231]

The issue with your lights sounds very typical of the failure of the backside of the ignition switch. Next time when the lights don't come on try wiggling the key. If they come on this is your problem. You may also notice that the fan doesn't run until you wiggle the key. Search the PCA sight for how to replace this. There are some DIY instructions for it and the switch is relatively cheap. I have the same problem on my 996 and looking into replacing it. Good luck.

I have the headlight problem with my boxster S 2002 as well. My windshield wipers also do not work when the headlights do not work. Sometimes after turning off the engine and taking out the key, the radio stays on the gong warning sound comes on as to indicate that my keys are still in the car when I've already removed the keys. Do you guys have that problem? Is it caused by the ignition switch? Can you tell me where I can find the DIY instructions?

thanks! :) Betty

[Loren]

The issue with your lights sounds very typical of the failure of the backside of the ignition switch. Next time when the lights don't come on try wiggling the key. If they come on this is your problem. You may also notice that the fan doesn't run until you wiggle the key. Search the PCA sight for how to replace this. There are some DIY instructions for it and the switch is relatively cheap. I have the same problem on my 996 and looking into replacing it. Good luck.

I have the headlight problem with my boxster S 2002 as well. My windshield wipers also do not work when the headlights do not work. Sometimes after turning off the engine and taking out the key, the radio stays on the gong warning sound comes on as to indicate that my keys are still in the car when I've already removed the keys. Do you guys have that problem? Is it caused by the ignition switch? Can you tell me where I can find the DIY instructions?

thanks! :) Betty

:welcome:

Next time please give our Search a try...

Replacing the Ignition Switch