wiring in light fixtures in 2000 c2 cabrio w/68k miles

[moondoggy]

Much of the wiring in my car's light assemblies have cracks in the insulation/wiring plastic sleeves.  All but one of the cracks that affected lighting the bulb have been fixed by taping over the cracks.  The wire for the rear fog light pax side has sleeve cracks but taping it still doesn't allow the fog light bulb to work.  Not a safety issue here in VA but if there's a quick fix without replacing the whole rear light assembly, any suggestions?  Thanks.

[Loren]

Some of the front end and read end harnesses can be replaced (if needed) without replacing the whole car's harness.

Any idea what caused the damage?

[moondoggy]

Thanks for quick reply Loren.  I'm ordering the plugs and sleeves for both sides of the hard top and windshield.  When installed and tested, will let you know.  Don't know how simple wiring sleeve apparently dried up and cracked.  As far as I know, car from TX originally, garaged there and since mine, has also been garaged, so it has been in controlled environment its life.  This should've  precluded anything drying out in the car.  Fortunately not a major problem.  Walt M.

[KevinH90]

Some of the front end and read end harnesses can be replaced (if needed) without replacing the whole car's harness.

Any idea what caused the damage?

Check out this thread on the Pelican 986 forum:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/boxster-cayman-forum/848710-head-lamp-advice-1999-986-a.html#post8460771

 

The theory is that European regulations required biodegradable wiring during the 90's. 

 

These articles  appear to provide some support for that theory. http://www.prestigeimports.net/are-rodents-chewing-the-wiring-in-your-porsche-or-audi/

 

http://rennlist.com/forums/porsche-cayenne-forum/733521-brittle-wiring-insulation.html

 

I personally had to rewire a litronic headlamp from a 99 Carrera.  The insulation was dried up and cracked as described by the OP and was just flaking off.  Although his car is a 2000 model, it may have the biodegradable wire insulation especially if it had a build date in 99. 

Edited July 12, 2015 by KevinH90

[moondoggy]

Thanks for the info on the wiring.  Unbelievable about the biodegradable wiring.  If true for us with these cars, this could be a major safety issue.  Notwithstanding, I'll probably simply do what you did and rewire those that need it and especially the non working fog light.   

[Ahsai]

One of the rear fog lights is supposed to be OFF by design (I forgot which side) so the car behind can tell between brake ligts and fog lights in foggy situation.

[moondoggy]

It's the pax side rear that has a receptacle for a light bulb but when one's inserted, doesn't work.  Remaining 3 work.  Also, nothing in the owner's manual about this.  But, it's an answer and therefore, maybe not waste my time on it anymore.  Assume you have a vacancy like mine.  Thanks.

[Ahsai]

Yea, the passenger side is supposed to be OFF even though the bulb socket is there

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/28493-right-rear-fog-lamp/

Edited July 18, 2015 by Ahsai

[moondoggy]

Thanks again.