7 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHIntermittent headlight issue
Reported or suspected cause
bulb
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that report identifying a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Leading evidence: 'bulb' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'bulb' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check bent or distorted pin/socket, spray the connectors' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Check bent or distorted pin/socket, spray the connectors
Suggestion or failed attempt
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
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Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
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Suggestion
Remove the headlight once again, check for a bent or distorted pin/socket, spray the connectors with switch cleaner or WD40, refit and retest.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
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Suggestion · Original poster
Am going to use some sealant and clips to block the holes until I get new liners.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that report an unsuccessful attempt
1
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Unsuccessful attempt · Original poster
I have taken out the headlight, cleaned anything I can get to - but no difference.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
7 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Porsche Club GB: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T144035Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Car is a 2003 996 C4. I have an intermittent issue with the dipped beam, off side. When I switch on, both sides are fine, then after 20 seconds the O/S bulb fades and goes out. When driving, it then works intermittently. If it is out when I park, when I return it works again (for the time being)!
I have taken out the headlight, cleaned anything I can get to - but no difference. It is as though it is failing when getting warm. Bulb? I thought they either work or not! Any guidance appreciated.
Are you getting a dashboard warning light? It sounds like a bad connection. Remove the headlight once again, check for a bent or distorted pin/socket, spray the connectors with switch cleaner or WD40, refit and retest.
Regards,
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Clive
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Thanks Clive and Tony. In answer:
No other problems, all bulbs working fine. I had wondered about the switch but no other issues.
No dashboard warning lights, no other issues at all. I only realised I had an issue when I was out of the car and noticed a "dim" light. I have had it out (out now!) and cleaned up and when I replace it it works for 15-ish seconds and then goes out. Pins all look ok but there is a hole/ poor seal in the wheel arch liner. As a result the area behind the headlight unit is dusty. Am going to use some sealant and clips to block the holes until I get new liners. I'll try again with the connections.
Bulb time I think, reading about the Xenon, apparently they don't just "fail".
Hmmm, then take a look inside the lamp unit itself. Maybe the bulb has become unseated or the mounting is corroded.
Regards,
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[font="comic sans ms,sans-serif"]Clive[/font]
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Thanks Clive, I will try that this afternoon. I'll also swap component left to right and see if I can isolate the problem. I was hoping for something simple.. Hole blocking first!
Julian
It was the bulb. The on and fading off is apparently a symptom. So, something learned.
Whilst in there I also found a couple of broken/ cracked lugs on the headlight unit so new ones and ballast brackets ordered from Design 911.
Thanks again.
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