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Cayman PDLS Headlights - ability to switch from left to right hand driving

Dobson

Dobson

PCGB Member
Member
Hello
I have recently submitted this question to my POC. Has anyone had similiar issues?

[FONT=courier new,courier"]I have a possible issue with my car (Cayman GTS 4.0) which I hope you can help me with.[FONT=verdana,geneva"]

[FONT=courier new,courier"]Just before Christmas 22, the car was delivered with the Bi-Xenon PDLS headlights which I paid for as an optional extra (I had ordered the LED headlights but these were not available).[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=courier new,courier"] [FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=courier new,courier"]Now I’m not sure if I have the PDLS lights at all because the option to set the lights for driving on the continent is not available (Settings -> Lights -> External -> Set L/R). The manual states quite clearly that this option should exist for PDLS and PDLS+. Also I can’t say I've noticed the lights turning during cornering.[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=courier new,courier"] [FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=courier new,courier"]As I’m taking the car abroad next month I need to resolve this as soon as possible.[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=courier new,courier"] [FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=courier new,courier"]If it turns out that I don’t have PDLS then what did I pay the £918 extra for?[FONT=verdana,geneva"]

Many thanks
David
 
Hi David,

The whole purpose of the dynamic light system - Bi-Xenon or LED - is that the lights should follow the road on a bend, therefore I would say that definitely there’s a problem with your set-up. Either non-dynamic headlights have been fitted in error, or perhaps they’ve not been activated properly (maybe this can be done via the PIWIS diagnostics)?

Either way, your dealer should be able to give you guidance.

Jeff

 
The PDLS lights definitely and noticeably turn when you turn the wheel when cornering. Also PDLS lights will have headlight washers whereas standard lights don't have them.

The lights themselves look different, a big difference is the day running lights. The standard lights have the day running lights inboard of the main light, the PDLS Xenon and PDLS/PDLS + LEDs have four separate lights arrange around the main projector. You can see these differences on the configurator.

 
Thanks for all the replies. Based on your descriptions I do have PDLS lights so the question is why don’t I have the MFD option to change from left hand to right hand driving as described on page 194 of the manual?

 
It most probably hasn't been added to the MFD on PDI. I've just been out and checked mine and I don't have it either ('22 GTS) and I've also checked on the PCM, I just have the fade time. I'll get them to add it when it goes in for it's service next year.

Dan

 
Just doing some reading into this and apparently PDLS does not have the option to switch over as the beam is flat. Interested to hear what your OPC says though.

Dan

 
Chaps,

I seem to recall that this has been a recurring question since the introduction of the 981-series cars, and I think that, as Dan says, the beam is suitable for use on the continent and doesn’t require any adjustment.

I’m sure that if you trawl through the forum’s (useless?) SEARCH facility you’ll find something, although good luck with that!😀

Jeff

 
My old 981 Cayman had Option "603" Bi-Xenon + Dynamic Cornering Light and these came with headlight washers and the ability to switch LH/RH drive. Also listed were were "492" Headlights F Left-Hand Traffic and "288" Headlight Cleaning System.

Your Centre should be able to print a Vehicle Information sheet with MNR list of the standard and optional features fitted given the VIN #

 
Very interesting Dan that you don’t have it either. Surely this is something that should have done at the factory. Not sure why it should have been done at PDI

 
Motorhead said:
Chaps,

I seem to recall that this has been a recurring question since the introduction of the 981-series cars, and I think that, as Dan says, the beam is suitable for use on the continent and doesn’t require any adjustment.

I’m sure that if you trawl through the forum’s (useless?) SEARCH facility you’ll find something, although good luck with that!😀

Jeff
Click to expand...
On 981, if you have Bi-Xenon lights the beam is fixed and symmetrical and you don’t need to do anything for continental driving. The PDLS lights swing into corners and are not symmetrical. For continental driving you change via the options in Settings using the lower right stalk - there is a distinct clunk from the lights as they switch over.

 
I was intrigued reading this as I've PDLS+ on my 718 GTS but never noticed this setting. I can confirm that under settings -> Lights and Display -> Exterior Lights there's a 'L/R driving' setting that can be changed between Standard and Inverted. The description in the instrument cluster is "country specific dipped beam light setting based on left or right-hand driving"

 
Yes I had a similiar response from the "Product Specialist" man at my POC (saying it's not his area of expertise [:D]). Surely someone from Porsche knows! I think I'll just leave the lights as they are and hope nobody is blinded. Perhaps the PDLS lights are homogenous between L and R as the manual describes for the non PDLS/PDLS+ lights.

Many thanks for all your helpful responses.

 
Just received video (relevant snapshot attached) from my POC just filmed from a Cayman with PDLS (not PDLS+) in their showroom. This quite clearly shows the L/R option which I don't have. From photos of my car they confirm I do have PDLS.The plot thickens!

 
The key questions are

1. Is it on a GTS?

2. LED or Bi-Xenon PDLS?

3. Black headlights with PDLS?

I asked the same question on the 718 Forum and these are the contributing factors that may be the reason why we're unable to change.

Dan

 
Hi Dan

1. Is it on a GTS? - It's a GTS 4.0

2. LED or Bi-Xenon PDLS? - bi-xenon PDLS

3. Black headlights with PDLS? - there isn't a configurator option for this. Aren't they all black inside?

As always many thanks

David

 
I have a MY23 GTS 4.0 with Standard Bi Xenons. There is no option for L/R setting in the menu.
When I asked Cardiff OPC they said the beams are flat and don't require any change or deflectors.
Does anyone know different as I'm off to Europe next month.
Thanks in advance!
 
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