914-4 headlight 'Combi Relay' 111-941-583A, 1974 car with headlights that refuse to retract, need relay Options

[Jezibel]

Hi folks. I need to find a 914-4 Combi headlight 4-pin relay, Porsche 111-941-583A, which everyone tells me simply do not exist any more (except as perhaps salvaged 'used' parts). Auto Atlanta, SMC, 914 Rubber, et al, all offer the 5-pin relay (111-941-583) that fits '75/'76 914s as a replacement, which of course the earlier 4-pin cars they are not compatible with.

This is a real stumper and I know that many of you may have likely encountered this frustration in the past. What I need to know is 1) Does anyone still sell the 4-pin relays or is everyone selling the incompatible 5-pin relays? 2) Are they available anywhere other than possibly via salvaged units from junk yards?

You'd think that there would still be some of these floating around in Germany or England, but so far I've had no luck pursuing that option.

I can't believe that some bright person hasn't figured out that this is a BIG problem that cries for redress. I know that the 111-941-583A relay rarely fails, but if they do, a replacement is the only option.

I am also aware of the fact that a similar appearing relay made by VW starting with 381 that is a 4-pin relay appears as if it might be the same 4-pin headlight 'Combi' relay, but have no confirmation of that. I know there was a thread on this some time ago but don't know how to all it up. At any rate, even there they had no ready solutions to this perplexing problem.

Any helpfull insights would be most appreciated! I also hear that some Chinese-made 111-941-583 relays have been 'bridged' so as to work, but I'm not well informed about that and it sounds rather precarious to me to use one (if they are even offered anywhere).

[porschetub]

Hi folks. I need to find a 914-4 Combi headlight 4-pin relay, Porsche 111-941-583A, which everyone tells me simply do not exist any more (except as perhaps salvaged 'used' parts). Auto Atlanta, SMC, 914 Rubber, et al, all offer the 5-pin relay (111-941-583) that fits '75/'76 914s as a replacement, which of course the earlier 4-pin cars they are not compatible with.

This is a real stumper and I know that many of you may have likely encountered this frustration in the past. What I need to know is 1) Does anyone still sell the 4-pin relays or is everyone selling the incompatible 5-pin relays? 2) Are they available anywhere other than possibly via salvaged units from junk yards?

You'd think that there would still be some of these floating around in Germany or England, but so far I've had no luck pursuing that option.

I can't believe that some bright person hasn't figured out that this is a BIG problem that cries for redress. I know that the 111-941-583A relay rarely fails, but if they do, a replacement is the only option.

I am also aware of the fact that a similar appearing relay made by VW starting with 381 that is a 4-pin relay appears as if it might be the same 4-pin headlight 'Combi' relay, but have no confirmation of that. I know there was a thread on this some time ago but don't know how to all it up. At any rate, even there they had no ready solutions to this perplexing problem.

Any helpfull insights would be most appreciated! I also hear that some Chinese-made 111-941-583 relays have been 'bridged' so as to work, but I'm not well informed about that and it sounds rather precarious to me to use one (if they are even offered anywhere).

As you mentioned these relays don't fail often which appears they don't do ,zip over to the WTB section and get a good used one....problem solved .

Cheers.

[914Sixer]

EBAY

[sixnotfour]

If you cant waite or want to update,,,run a jumper wire....

[fixer34]

Is this what you are looking for? Also called a latching relay?

[fixer34]

If yours has the metal 'can', carefully bend back the tabs over the phenolic board and lift it off. See if there is a latch mechanism similar to the above picture.
If it looks the same, I'll send you the one I have to try.

Maybe also try manually moving the relay arm and cleaning the contacts on yours.

[ejm]

@Jezibel The relay that you are asking about is the hi/low beam relay.

It has nothing to do with the headlights not retracting.

Assuming the headlights go up when you turn them on but not down when off the problem is most likely the headlight switch.

[porschetub]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) ,check the wiring up to the switch also ,not uncommon to find "chop" jobs or damage from age or overload .
cheers.