My headlights started acting up over the past month. Approximately 25% of the time that I use the car in the dark my headlights will not come on. The slide lights and fog lights work fine (which is what i use when stuck w/o headlights). I tried this morning turning on my brights to trigger the headlights and it did not work initially. Then, a few minutes later the headlights came on (as did the brights). Just before this started happening regularly I noticed a couple times one of the headlights taking longer to come on than the other (like it was winking).

All the other lights work fine as do the rest of the electronics.

Any ideas? TIA

 

Sounds like a headlight switch, which is a fairly common issue.

 

headlight switch - mine just did the same thing. new switch and i'm good to go

 

Same happened to mine. Turn the switch on and the lights seem to take their time thinking about whether to come on or not. A new switch from Sunset and easy self install -- no more problems.

 

Yep, common problem. Simple solution.

 

yes sir same thing happened to me changed the switch problem solved (suncoast) had it for around $80.

 

I'm sure it has been posted here a zillion times, but you can also take apart and clean the contacts on the switch. This has worked for me.

 

Just did the "disassemble and squirt contact cleaner into the top o' the switch" thing, headlights are now working just fine. BTW, there's a DIY thread with photos under the 996 Turbo section.

BTW, what causes these headlight switch contacts to get mucked up / go bad? Lack of use? Poor design? Has anybody actually taken one of these apart to see?