Wiring aftermarket headlights with LED DRLs

I've got a new to me 1999 996 (my first porsche!) and I'm having to repair/replace some things that the previous owner didn't have done right after fixing a front accident. Rather than go for new OEM style headlights, I've ordered some that include clear LED daytime running lights (DRLs) - there are several sellers with them on ebay, just search "porsche 996 led headlight". As the 1999's don't have DRLs, any feedback on how to wire these in? I've seen several discussions about hacking regular lights or fog-lights to be DRLs, and see the relay to wire in DRLs that attach to the bumper, but nothing about these aftermarket headlights. I'm particularly interested in the wiring pins locations in the harness the headlight plugs into. Also, for added fun, I'm hoping to wire a switch into the system so I can turn the DRLs on/off at will! I'd appreciate any feedback and thoughts on the best way to accomplish this.

I have a set of them sitting in the original box uninstalled. Why? Didn't like the look of them and thought it would Honda up my 996. Just my 2cents. Not all of my ebay buys work out... Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the product, they actually look pretty good but in order to make these things look factory they would have to be flush mounted into the bumper and I'm not about to get out an xacto knife to experiment. The only other area to install them is in the air intake vents under the headlights and screw them in. Nope. I should sell them to someone else who wants to attempt this. "As the 1999's don't have DRLs" Actually they do - it's called your headlights using the Euro relay or as common on USA spec imported into Canada - a jumper wire. Some in my area do a mod to run the fog lights as DRL's and not the headlights.

Those are the DRLs that have lots of info about them on the board... the ones I'll be installing are actually IN the HEADLIGHTS - I'll post photos. Hopefully they arrive today and I can swap out the old units without issue. The trick will be to figure out how to get the wiring into the stock headlight wiring harness/plug and have them function appropriately. Also if anyone has added a switch to be able to turn on/off their DRLs (even if just the add-on ones) I'd love to know how you did it.

I have seen those on Ebay and wondered what's the verdict on them and even a picture would be great?

I read all 3 Porsche Forums and have read comments about the eBay Head Lights that have the LED driving lights built in. The general consenses is that the build quality is not good and they will make your Porsche look like a rice burner. However, I bought a set of clear (no amber turn signal lenses) for my '99 that were in mint condition from a guy on eBay for an unreal $300 including shipping and sold my amber lens headlights for $350. The guy I bought my headlights from bought those eBay headlights for $899 and he liked them. It's a matter of taste, if you like them go for it, it is your car. Are these the headlights you're thinking about? http://www.ebay.com/itm/911-996-986-...e52cc0&vxp=mtr

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Wow - those are some ugly. Sorry.

Ha, I appreciate the feedback and apologize for my belated reply. Yes, those are the ones I am talking about but I purchased them from a different seller. I received them and am actually quite impressed with how they look out of the box� but I've run into a problem as they won't snap into place! The slot where the arm snaps the headlight into place seems to be less than an 1/8" off and the base of the headlight housing flexes as you put more pressure. If I push harder I'm afraid I'll break them, and if I do get them to snap in I'm afraid they'll never come out! I'm still hoping to get them in and am awaiting feedback from the seller if they have any install tips before I either break them in another attempt to install or send them back. This car is going to be a bit of a project as I am working to convert it to an electric car (this will be documented on a whole other thread, so no need to argue pros and cons here) but as such, I was planning on switching most lights over to LED and think these headlights will work very well with the theme. I hate getting flummoxed by something that should have been so easy. Maybe once I get them in the LED will come on with the parking light setting and all my worries about wiring will be moot.

Also, if anyone has found another LED headlight that they think looks better, I'm all ears (or eyes).

Great news... I got them installed and my fears about needing to do some special wiring with a switch for the DRL is gone! The LED lights work as the driving lights, so it is easy to switch them on as is! I think they look great. The best part is the white LED lights disappear when you turn on the blinker and go yellow... then they fade back in when the blinker is turned off!

i was just looking at these for my 2000 boxster - why were they so hard to initially fit and what did you do to complete installation? could you please upload some photos - with and without lights on? i just installed the some of the rear led tail lights and i really like them as well. tony

When sliding the headlights into the mounting plates, we (meaning my mechanic and I) just couldn't get them to snap in. We weren't putting too much pressure on them, but rather than snapping in like the factory ones, you could see the bottom of the headlight housing flexing upwards. So, we removed the mounting plates and were able to see that the location where the metal bar snaps in place was about 1/8" off from working. Took me a little while to determine that the oval surround of the wire housing clip was the part that wasn't seating correctly. By flexing the mounting plate a little (twisting it back and forth), it snapped into place at the back, thus allowing the headlight to slide back the fraction of an inch needed to get it to lock properly. I did this a few times with each headlight, then mounted the plates in the car and installed the headlights. It still seemed to take a good bit more pressure (me pushing the headlight into the car) than factory, but I got them in and was pretty happy about it. I think they look real good. I have the rear LEDs as well, and it really does give the car a more modern look. Not sure these photos do them justice... I'll try to get some daytime ones as well so you can really see how they look on the car.

Post a shot of the rears lights sometime! TIA

Here you go... I guess I need to also get some in that are at night showing the lights... but this should keep you occupied for now!

May be the thing in San Diego but I prefer the stock look. Enjoy - to each his own.

Make that Oregon - I was looking at the dealer plate.

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Very true I am all for ricing my car up, but I really do prefer the look of OEM. I hate LED lights, especially in the headlights I don't like them on Audi's I like them even less on vehicles that aren't audi's. I am fairly certain that I will put on some color changing LED Underglow lights below my car before putting those LED's in my headlights ha ha.

I like the tail lights, I have them on my car as well but the head lights are not my taste.

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Same here. I have seen those headlight's on a Boxter, not that bad, just not my favourite.

The headlights would be okay without the LEDs. Wish a vendor would make a cost effective and attractive headlight replacement. I absolutely HATE my headlights!

I had to replace my headlights due to damage... I really wasn't a fan of the stock and I agree that these may be a little over the top. I love the blinker and lower portion, but don't think the main headlight area with the LEDs on either side of the main light are ideal. Stock feels too old/outdated to me. After living with these for a month or more, they're better, but not perfect. I think it has to do with the way they try and make it look like you have the litronic headlights. Maybe they're just shiner than the rest of this 13+ yr old car!

hey rustymon, how is this kit going for you, still no issues? BTW did you already have Litronics or Halogen? I would assume doesn't matter as this a completely enclosed kit, is it HID or Halogen?

Yeah, they're working fine for me... although I haven't been enjoying them for a while as my car is undergoing a conversion... so I can't really tell you much other than they worked fine for 3 months and haven't been turned on since! In the end, the install was simple - just take out the stock headlights and snap in the new ones. The new ones were a bit snug - I was almost afraid to break them, and had to push in pretty hard while turning the catch to get them to lock the first time. They work great, the LEDs come on if you turn on your parking lights, so it is easy to control when you want them on or off, no special wiring needed. I liked them so much, I replaced my rear lights and brake lights with LED as well. I had read all about needing to add resistors in the circuits, and bought several, but in the end didn't need them, all installed with no errors. They are standard halogen. One tip, get bright white halogen bulbs, as I got standard ones and the color is more yellow and doesn't match the LEDs... I will change them soon after I get my car on the road again! I like the look - it isn't stock, but folks can't believe the car is 14 years old, so I think it works.

ah yeah I have litronics now and I don't want the downgrade on the main lights. I want this but with HIDs... thanks for the tip. Any link to your conversion? sounds exciting!

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https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-my-996-a.html Hope to have it early September!