I keep all of your videos in a favorite file in case I need assistance on a 986 repair. Well, light switch went out and your video walked me through its removal and install. Thank you! Perfect walkthrough
The headlicht switch of my Porsche 986 was intermittendly not working. Your video made the change of the switch much more easy! A lot of time is saved because one doesn't have to look for the hidden screws in the dashboard. Thanks Aaron!
Once you're in there to replace that light switch, you can pretty easily remove the duct behind the vent panel you have to remove, and get to the ignition switch to change that out. I found it much easier to reach that ignition switch from the top than working upside down from under the dash. Always a bonus if you can sit in a seat while you work! Thanks for your content Aaron. Am really enjoying watching your projects.
Great video, solved my problem. I had the same issue and didn’t understand why until watching this video. New switch was the fix. Thank you!!! 2001 Boxster S manual.
The 997 & 987 ignition switch comes out by pushing it in and turning it to the left. I got to see that the small harness and small pins are the hot side of the switch, as you were the first one to turn it over and show the circuit board. I'm working on an install of Auto Meter gauges for oil temperature & pressure and need to tap into the dash lighting circuit via switched and figured this would be the best route to do it, as it's already fused.
I just replaced it on my 2003 S today. Part was $157 from Porsche Newark, DE shipped to Sacramento. Super simple. I didn't need to remove the round illuminating plastic icon switch plate, just pull it out a little, then turn the switch to remove. Thank you for all your helpful videos. Next project later today is to replace all spark plugs, tubes, and coils. My old switch did not have any rattle sounds. Maybe if I had cleaned it, it may still work. I had to bang it in order to get my headlights to come on before I had swapped it out.
Good video. As a note, on my 996 the original Porsche OEM headlight switch was manufactured in Italy and the replacement OEM switch was manufactured in China. Once the new headlight switch was installed the original switch knob wouldn't click into place. Very frustrating to say the least!! As I didn't want to dismantle again for fear of breaking a plastic part, I made a trip to the Porsche dealership to see if a new knob might click into place and it did. It too was manufactured in China!!
The wiring on the Mercedes switch does fit and works 100% but your knob won't then fit the new switch. The Knob mounts differently without the little catch. But at 1/8 of the cost it will get you out of trouble.
Actually the knob does snap in, but you must pull out the switch shaft first. However, the Mercedes switch has be rotated all the way to the right to illuminate the dash lights.
Hello Again Aaron, I hope all is well. I’m replacing all of the old bulbs on my 97 986 and I want to make sure I don’t miss any. I have ordered Three H7 (high, low, fog, and turn signal. There’s a very faint light that turn on when start the card.
+Fausto Escobar hey there! On mine the H7 bulbs cover the low, high, and fog lights. There is a round orange bulb for the turn signal, and then a 5th little bulb kind of between the low and high beams that I think is the parking light.
I think this might be next. As I have a weird issue it seems to be tied to. Got an idea why the gauge lights and headlights are pulsating with the engine?
Curious.. i have depot tails on my 99 5spd. Even if the switch says off for the lights, the mini leds on both sides are slightly illuminated when the car is sitting with the engine running. Posted on one of the boxter fb pages as well. Could there be some sort of backfeed or interference from the switch or another power wire to cause this?
Aaron, how did you figure out that it was the headlight switch? Also, is this part likely to fix headlight issues as well as the tail lights (as it was in your case) ?
6:12 "I'm gonna pass on this one..." 9:15 I can't even count the number of times I've had to re-disassemble something that I've mistakenly re-assembled in the wrong order.
+draeh yeah the best part for me making these videos is being able to go back and look at stuff like that before putting it back together. That’s exactly what I did for the switch! 😂
I keep all of your videos in a favorite file in case I need assistance on a 986 repair. Well, light switch went out and your video walked me through its removal and install. Thank you! Perfect walkthrough
+Rik Aguilera that’s great! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🍻
Much better video than the others. This mechanic knows what he is doing! Some of the others do not seem to have a clue as to what to do!
+capnchip thanks man!
totally agree, real world practical help!
I like how you also post mistakes when you make them. Very helpful so others know what to lookout for. Great job!
+Wayne DeBord I agree! Thanks 🙏
I am so grateful to have found your channel! Common things occur commonly and I have had issues with everything you cover! Much appreciated!
+bud hill thanks! Help spread the word and consider becoming a member 🍻
The headlicht switch of my Porsche 986 was intermittendly not working. Your video made the change of the switch much more easy! A lot of time is saved because one doesn't have to look for the hidden screws in the dashboard. Thanks Aaron!
+Chris Bode that’s great! Thanks for taking the time to let me know 🍻
Once you're in there to replace that light switch, you can pretty easily remove the duct behind the vent panel you have to remove, and get to the ignition switch to change that out. I found it much easier to reach that ignition switch from the top than working upside down from under the dash. Always a bonus if you can sit in a seat while you work! Thanks for your content Aaron. Am really enjoying watching your projects.
+Amy Boehm good to know, thanks! Haven’t had to tackle the ignition yet. Thanks for watching 😁
Great video, solved my problem. I had the same issue and didn’t understand why until watching this video. New switch was the fix. Thank you!!! 2001 Boxster S manual.
+@faquique you’re welcome! Hope you’re a subscriber now 🍻
I cannot thank you enough for the amazing posts. Its helping me keep my pride and joy on the road.
+Terminal Velocity you can always thank me with 🍺 😂. Glad they have helped!
The 997 & 987 ignition switch comes out by pushing it in and turning it to the left. I got to see that the small harness and small pins are the hot side of the switch, as you were the first one to turn it over and show the circuit board. I'm working on an install of Auto Meter gauges for oil temperature & pressure and need to tap into the dash lighting circuit via switched and figured this would be the best route to do it, as it's already fused.
+@warrenlucier5796 thanks!
I just replaced it on my 2003 S today. Part was $157 from Porsche Newark, DE shipped to Sacramento. Super simple. I didn't need to remove the round illuminating plastic icon switch plate, just pull it out a little, then turn the switch to remove. Thank you for all your helpful videos. Next project later today is to replace all spark plugs, tubes, and coils. My old switch did not have any rattle sounds. Maybe if I had cleaned it, it may still work. I had to bang it in order to get my headlights to come on before I had swapped it out.
+ihackert2 that’s great! You’re very welcome.
Just finished replacing mine. Sounded like there was a lot of gravel in when I had it out. Thanks again. '02 S.
+Bob Plaszcz 🍻
Good video. As a note, on my 996 the original Porsche OEM headlight switch was manufactured in Italy and the replacement OEM switch was manufactured in China. Once the new headlight switch was installed the original switch knob wouldn't click into place. Very frustrating to say the least!! As I didn't want to dismantle again for fear of breaking a plastic part, I made a trip to the Porsche dealership to see if a new knob might click into place and it did. It too was manufactured in China!!
+ great tip, thanks!
Thanks for another great video, Aaron. The details are appreciated. Soon going to tackle this project. "Starter###".
+JP S you got it! 🍻
The wiring on the Mercedes switch does fit and works 100% but your knob won't then fit the new switch. The Knob mounts differently without the little catch. But at 1/8 of the cost it will get you out of trouble.
+Julian Thrussell great to know, thanks for the info!
Actually the knob does snap in, but you must pull out the switch shaft first. However, the Mercedes switch has be rotated all the way to the right to illuminate the dash lights.
Very good video thanks a lot. Any chance you have a video on changing the starter motor out? That’s what it looks like I’m gonna have to do
+Thomas R. Rogan thank you! Luckily for me, but unfortunately for you, I haven’t had to do that yet 😉
I don't need to do this on my 986.but a great video and worth watching to bare in mind if rear lights fail in future
+Vintage Steel Garage thank you! From everything I have read it’s a pretty common failure, so it’s always good to have the knowledge 😉
@@HelpMeDIY yes true. Number 1 must be IMS or header tank.
Vintage Steel Garage I’m going with coolant tank! Lol. I think IMS is way over hyped. Especially with the double row bearings of the early models.
Hello Again Aaron,
I hope all is well. I’m replacing all of the old bulbs on my 97 986 and I want to make sure I don’t miss any. I have ordered Three H7 (high, low, fog, and turn signal.
There’s a very faint light that turn on when start the card.
+Fausto Escobar hey there! On mine the H7 bulbs cover the low, high, and fog lights. There is a round orange bulb for the turn signal, and then a 5th little bulb kind of between the low and high beams that I think is the parking light.
Aaron thanks once again, my light switch needs replacing and this video certainly will be helpful.👊🏻👊🏻
+Paul Bouchard yessir 🍻
Excellent. Thank you for the video. I just did mine.
+Kevin M. Roberts 🍻
Good Macro shooting!
Very helpful thanks 👍🏼
+Paul Cuenin you’re welcome! 🍻
Great work and video!
Thank you!
I think this might be next. As I have a weird issue it seems to be tied to. Got an idea why the gauge lights and headlights are pulsating with the engine?
+Dan Beaule hmm… haven’t experienced that.
same deal with my car left side tail light would not always come one, put in a new switch all good
+Matt Todd 🍻
Excellent content, I have subscribed.
+Johann van Biljon 🙏
Cheers great help... dont forget the wd40 spray!
+@JeffoJonJ glad it helped! 🍻
Thank you! I fixed it myself! 👍🏻
+Stacie George yes! Way to go 👏
Curious.. i have depot tails on my 99 5spd. Even if the switch says off for the lights, the mini leds on both sides are slightly illuminated when the car is sitting with the engine running. Posted on one of the boxter fb pages as well. Could there be some sort of backfeed or interference from the switch or another power wire to cause this?
+@elipugh6703 I’m not sure. Maybe someone else can help.
Aaron, how did you figure out that it was the headlight switch? Also, is this part likely to fix headlight issues as well as the tail lights (as it was in your case) ?
+Pritesh Patel I read some forums and heard it was a likely culprit. Yes.
Yet another great vid well done
+leander ball thank you!
Wonderful
+Choked Chicken Gaming 🍻
Thanks
+Frank Leonard 🍻
Great stuff. You make it look so easy too :O)
+Gary L thank you! This one WAS really easy ;)
6:12 "I'm gonna pass on this one..."
9:15 I can't even count the number of times I've had to re-disassemble something that I've mistakenly re-assembled in the wrong order.
+draeh yeah the best part for me making these videos is being able to go back and look at stuff like that before putting it back together. That’s exactly what I did for the switch! 😂
mine just craped it self
+Matt Todd common part to fail 😬