Litronic lights

If it's a mk1 996 then it would be the same as a Boxster - and my Boxster does do the "lights up and down" dance when they are turned on. Think clear lights are standard with Litronics?

All other cars I have with HID lights carry out a 'check' when first switched on. The lights travel to the high and low stops before resting at the correct level. The lights on my 996 C4 do not carry out this check but I have noticed that when I switch to main beam, the lights automatically lift to the main beam level. Is this normal? I first suspected that the lights had been changed, but the option code M601 is listed which suggests that this is right from new. The only other explanation I have is that the original lamps were orange and the previous owner has upgraded them for some 'not quite standard' ones. Both lights are marked 'Not DOT approved' - which doesn't sound correct. Any thoughts would be welcome Dave.

That's correct Mark - all the Mk1 Litronics had clear indicator lenses. There was a Litronic retrofit kit by Porsche which wasn't self-levelling (ie didn't have the front and rear levelling sensors) so perhaps those are what have been fitted as replacements at a later date. Seems unlikely though. My Mk2 Litronics also do the up/down dance.

It has the height sensors fitted to it and the option code suggests they were fitted from new. I can only guess they have been changed for some reason. Main thing is that they light up when they are supposed to.

I just looked up the part numbers, and the headlight units are the same for the factory fit and retrofit kit, so that isn't the reason. One of life's little mysteries......

Thanks Richard, Looks like I will have to slide one out and see if there are any OE part numbers on. The only thing I can think of, is whether they have been chnaged for non-OE ones - but I would expect them to operate in the same way. I know they do move, as they lift with the high beam setting. As you say, one of lifes mysteries

Does the dipped beam actually lift or is it just the main beam lighting up in addition ? Litronics came with headlight washers too, so if you don;t have those then theres been a bit of jiggery pokery in the past. The bulb units themselves can fail, so they could have been replaced by equivalent non OE units. Sounds like you have a fault in the self levelling system, either from a faulty sensor or seized motors/mechanisms.

Hi, Yes it has washers, the dipped lights actually move upwards when main beam is selected. They are litronic units rather than 'upgrades' from tungsten. I will have to study the wiring diagrams and check out the sensors. Thanks for the info

I know its a while since I posted this, just to advise, the headlights go through the 'autolevel test' when the ignition is switched on regardless of whether the lights are on or off. Just thought I'd let you know if anyone is interested

If you can find a friendly dealer or someone with a PIWIS or PST2 then you can check to see if you have the height sensors and perform a test on the system which drives the lights to various preset positions.

The way to test the Litronics self levelling is to: 1) turn the lights on before you turn the ignition on or start the car. 2) now turn the ignition on and you should see the lights move up and then down to the correct level. You'll also hear the buzz as the motors move. That is also that strage buzz you hear everytime you start the car but never thought twice about. For your information, there is one level sensor at the left rear. You'll see a 4 inch link from the lower wishbone joinied to the sensor. I'm sure there is one in front as well. Just for completeness, the lights are self -levelling but that doesn't mean they are preset at the right level. Mine were aiming too close to the car and left hence light spread was poor regardless of load. It always self corrected to the wrong level. Adjustment is easy if you have the light meter at home.

One of mine has always bee too high. Can you advise how I can adjust it?

It says how toin the Boxster Owner Manual -- I would have thought the 996 would be the same? It's an adjuster under one of the 3 plastic tabs that are around the rubber plug that your remove to take the headlights out.

You don't actually have to remove the headlight. In the boot, when you lift the carpet, you will see 2 plastic tabs about 3 x 1cm long next to each other. They will be close to the headlight securing nut you turn to remove the lights. Unclip the the plastic tabs and use a long 6mm allen key to turn the bolts. One adjusts the vertical aim and the other the horzontal aim. You will need a lightbox like the ones the MOT stations use to do it accurately. Adjust the horizontal aim first then the vertical aim. As you adjust the horzontal aim, the vertical aim would also move hence do it last.

Sorry - I didn't mean to imply the headlight needed removing. I was just trying to help locate where the adjusters are...[ ]

As per the (workshop) manual:

Thanks Richard - just what I needed.