Xenon headlight failed internally

[deckman]

While my car was in getting the RMS and IMS fixed again, I asked the dealer to look at my drivers side headlight. The problem is the front turn signal does not work and the rear blinks really fast. The result of their diagnosis was: "Removed headlight and swapped bulbs side to side left signal still inop. Checked power and connecter for headlight, headlight getting proper power signal. Headlight assembly has failed internally".

Since PCNA declined to cover the failed assembly under the CPO warrantly and the dealer wanted $2,200 to replace it, I still have a bad headlight assembly in my car. I can find one on ebay for not too much, but it seems kind of rediculous to have to pitch the whole unit. Aren't any of the electronics repairable or fixable?

[plima]

... "Removed headlight and swapped bulbs side to side left signal still inop. Checked power and connector for headlight, headlight getting proper power signal. Headlight assembly has failed internally"...Aren't any of the electronics repairable or fixable?

There are no electronics inside the headlight assembly that affect the turn signals. The ground connection for the fog light, side marker light, and turn signal is common to the three, and is a brown wire in the connector. The power to the turn signal is a black wire with white stripe. Inside the assembly there is only the wire, light socket, and the bulb. Either their diagnostics are very poor or there might be a problem with the socket itself. In any case, it should be repairable (a good DIY).

[SH-GT3]

Just to be absolutely sure, if you haven’t already, I’d try installing a new signal bulb yourself since they are only a couple bucks, and/or, check the contacts for the bulb receptacle; clean if necessary . Seems bizarre that the socket gets power, but a bulb doesn’t illuminate; if it gets power, it has to.

If CPO isn't going to cover it, might as well try an indie shop as well.

[KevinMac]

$2200 for a headlight assembly. Geez I upgraded my car from halogen to Xenon for a lot less than that. You should be able to do a lot better then that.

I agee, on the electronics statement. If you have power pulsating at the socket then it makes no sense. The only electronics is the Xenon power assembly and low and high beam .

Edited December 16, 2008 by KevinMac

[oneyedjack]

While I have no experience with the Porsche headlights....yet, this is a COMMON problem with Audi A6 headlights. Apparently, rain/ water can pass the o-ring of the bulb holder and corrode the contacts. The turn signal lamp corrosion causes the 'good' turn signal bulb to not work. A little sanding of the contacts in the bulb holder and the headlight housing seems to be the cure for those out of warranty. I have done this several times to a 99 A6 and our 2004 A6. While under warranty Audi replaced a housing, but I understand they later required dealers to repair the housings in house before authorizing replacement.

As stated in the thread, there are no internal 'electronics', just wiring and lamp contact points. Repairing the existing assembly should be easy and certainly cheaper than $2k replacement housings.

Hope this helps and good luck!

[deckman]

Well I ordered one off ebay for $300. Bu the way, when I was getting my bumper painted the guys at the body shop swapped my headlight assembly with one they had and the second one work properly. Once the ebay one arrives I'll try the suggestions you guys have given me. If I can get the original working, I'll just resell the one I bought. Thanks.

John

[SH-GT3]

John,

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