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1988 Porsche 928 S4
I just replaced the Brake Light Harness – 1157 Bulb Socket. I used this part from Amazon , which I had to make a simple modification with a Dremel type tool, and the rubber gasket is too thick – no big deal, the Porsche part does not use one. You use a sealant if you must. I figured out the wiring:
It works! I hope this is helpful...
* The photograph shows a White/Blue/Black wires, my part came as Red Blue Black.
Last edited by havana928; 01-27-2020 at 10:38 PM.
Reason: Clarifying Vehicle Model
Rennlisters from eons ago came up with this fix. We sell the sockets for $16 for the pair. We also have the instruction sheet as well.
A new harness is circa $450.
__________________
Does it have the "Do It Yourself" manual transmission, or the superior "Fully Equipped by Porsche" Automatic Transmission? George Layton March 2014
928 Owners are ".....a secret sect of quietly assured Porsche pragmatists who in near anonymity appreciate the prodigious, easy going prowess of the 928."
Once you decide it's OK to commit to razor-knife surgery on the tabs, lots of options open up. I will strongly recommend that you figure out how to fit an o-ring or other thin gasket. The recess that the lamp assembly sits in a sump/well for rain and wash water. As fitted, there's nothing that keeps water from coming over the lamp and getting into the housing. Result is that the housing will fog up with condensation, and more important the contacts in the sockets corrode and fail. That's the common reason we replace the sockets, right? Even a thin o-ring will work wonders.
On my car, I added a thin foam gasket around the perimeter of the housing to keep water out, plus added the drain holes in the bumper shell as recommended by Porsche. Anything that gets in there is able to find its way out. Saves those tacky dust and dirt trails from forming on he bumper after any wet episode... like washing the car.
Once you decide it's OK to commit to razor-knife surgery on the tabs, lots of options open up. I will strongly recommend that you figure out how to fit an o-ring or other thin gasket. The recess that the lamp assembly sits in a sump/well for rain and wash water. As fitted, there's nothing that keeps water from coming over the lamp and getting into the housing. Result is that the housing will fog up with condensation, and more important the contacts in the sockets corrode and fail. That's the common reason we replace the sockets, right? Even a thin o-ring will work wonders.
On my car, I added a thin foam gasket around the perimeter of the housing to keep water out, plus added the drain holes in the bumper shell as recommended by Porsche. Anything that gets in there is able to find its way out. Saves those tacky dust and dirt trails from forming on he bumper after any wet episode... like washing the car.
I used the Nissan Quest part, bought at Advance Auto for about $8 for two (it comes two to the one part). Didn’t need to cut the taillight assembly or the replacement part, it goes in as is with 5-10 seconds of fumbling to find the sweet spot. Did add a new gasket,
100 foot view: I don't ever want to sound critical when someone takes some time and goes out of their way to share a good fix for something. When folks come along with the dozen "better" ways to solve something, it risks de-enthiasming the OP. The Good News is that there are more than a few great solutions to this common problem. Just a few posts from Member havana928, and this one thoughtful and well described. Thanks, and don't be scared off from contributing more. It's all in a cooperative spirit, friends helping friends.
Once you decide it's OK to commit to razor-knife surgery on the tabs, lots of options open up. I will strongly recommend that you figure out how to fit an o-ring or other thin gasket. The recess that the lamp assembly sits in a sump/well for rain and wash water. As fitted, there's nothing that keeps water from coming over the lamp and getting into the housing. Result is that the housing will fog up with condensation, and more important the contacts in the sockets corrode and fail. That's the common reason we replace the sockets, right? Even a thin o-ring will work wonders.
On my car, I added a thin foam gasket around the perimeter of the housing to keep water out, plus added the drain holes in the bumper shell as recommended by Porsche. Anything that gets in there is able to find its way out. Saves those tacky dust and dirt trails from forming on he bumper after any wet episode... like washing the car.
I will certainly do that, thanks for the tip!
Last edited by havana928; 01-28-2020 at 08:53 PM.
Reason: quote
Rennlisters from eons ago came up with this fix. We sell the sockets for $16 for the pair. We also have the instruction sheet as well.
A new harness is circa $450.
Thanks Roger,
I appreciate your comment, as this is my first post I was trying to help. I know there are different fixes, as Shark2626 points out with the Nissan Quest. I have happily owned my vehicle for a year and I am still sorting things out. This fix I thought is simple and there are plenty of cheaper 1157 bulb parts out there.
What would be great is to come up a Caliper Mounting Bolt that wont strip easily...a fix for the electric seats, sometimes they work, other times they don't!!! interior lights...generally the electric on these cars can get a modern makeover!!! Smoother throttle pedal and down shifting electronics. Or better yet...how about a conversion the stock 4 speed to a 6 or 8 speed automatic!!!
Ricardo
Last edited by havana928; 01-28-2020 at 08:52 PM.
Reason: quote
I used the Nissan Quest part, bought at Advance Auto for about $8 for two (it comes two to the one part). Didn’t need to cut the taillight assembly or the replacement part, it goes in as is with 5-10 seconds of fumbling to find the sweet spot. Did add a new gasket,
Thanks Shark2626,
I had seen the Nissan Quest fix, however, I was not sure what year to pick.
100 foot view: I don't ever want to sound critical when someone takes some time and goes out of their way to share a good fix for something. When folks come along with the dozen "better" ways to solve something, it risks de-enthiasming the OP. The Good News is that there are more than a few great solutions to this common problem. Just a few posts from Member havana928, and this one thoughtful and well described. Thanks, and don't be scared off from contributing more. It's all in a cooperative spirit, friends helping friends.
Thank you Dr.
Yes, it is intimidating posting here with many experienced and knowledgeable Porsche owners that I admire and look up to...but one has to go through the chops and to take the first steps, there has to be a few falls. I am learning as I go and most certainly appreciate your perception and acuity as to me being a beginner.
...What would be great is to come up a Caliper Mounting Bolt that wont strip easily...a fix for the electric seats, sometimes they work, other times they don't!!! interior lights...generally the electric on these cars can get a modern makeover!!! ...
Ricardo
Ricardo - there is a good fix for interior lights - search for "VW interior lights" - Roger can help you with these too (or you can hunt at scrap yards). In case you'd be inclined to feel bad about using VW parts...? The original Hella parts were also (and first) used on VW's also. The new(er) VW parts are better electrically*, look nicer and help conceal interior trim pulling away from the opening (a common issue with age). They operate longitudinally rather than laterally (which works better for many LED bulbs) and are available in Black, Beige & Grey at least - maybe more..?
*They are less likely to break & short out - however they do need different sized bulbs (though they can be adapted to various sizes).
Ricardo - there is a good fix for interior lights - search for "VW interior lights" - Roger can help you with these too (or you can hunt at scrap yards). In case you'd be inclined to feel bad about using VW parts...? The original Hella parts were also (and first) used on VW's also. The new(er) VW parts are better electrically*, look nicer and help conceal interior trim pulling away from the opening (a common issue with age). They operate longitudinally rather than laterally (which works better for many LED bulbs) and are available in Black, Beige & Grey at least - maybe more..?
*They are less likely to break & short out - however they do need different sized bulbs (though they can be adapted to various sizes).
Welcome to Rennlist and keep sharing ideas...
Alan
Thank you Alan! That is a very good tip and one that I will surely use.
I love VW! Anything by Dr. Porsche. My first car was a used 1970 Squareback with Bosch Fuel Injection; then a '74 Convertible Karmann Ghia; and finally a 1978 Sirocco Champagne Edition with Recaro seats. This 928 S4 is my first Porsche of the 3 three Marques (Porsche Audi VW). Currently in the Stable, I have a 1961 Ford Thunderbird...much easier car to work and modify.
Thank you also for the encouragement to continue to post...
01-27-2020, 09:25 PM
Brake Light Harness – 1157 Bulb Socket
George Layton March 2014
