coqui914

My 74 914 2.0 has developed an electrical problem with the starter system. I thought it was the famous need for a relay kit but even after that the problem persists. I can start it by jumping the contacts at the starter but the key will not work. At the beginning, it was an intermittent problem, key in, twist, no start for 2-3 turns then, vrooom. Now it will not start and it blows the fuse on the relay kit (15 Amp. spade-type). It was also making a clicking noise on the left knee pad area, by the fuse panel/relay area. Now it does not make the noise but do not work either.

I have resoldered the wires below the pass. side seat, that were part of the start interrupt circuit. On the 3rd switch, now an "original" Porsche, not a Miele??. Good ground strap. New battery. "New" remanufactured starter. With it cold, I can crank it 4-5 times then it blows the fuse. What gives?? Bautiful weather in South Mississippi, please help! <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" />

hitbyastick

Perhaps you could check all the wires from the switch to the starter. Every relay and fuse. It sounds like you have a short. I believe in the engine compartment fuse box is something that has to do with the starter. Go look there. Good luck! I know nothing ...

philinjax

Coqui,
What do you mean by "on the third switch"? If you can more specifically describe the problem,
I am sure someone will provide the solution.
Phil

coqui914

I have bought 2 of the cheapo starter switches. Then, my mechanic, who is very knowledgeable of 914's but works too far from me, said that the imitation switches are notoriously unreliable and I needed to specify an original Porsche switch, not an aftermarket Miele switch. I did so but still the gremlin persists. By the way, the previous owner had the fuel pump hot wired, why? I doubt it has anything to do with this problem since it runs even though it will not start by the switch.

Robert von Stokindigarage

philinjax

The clicking noise you heard earlier was probably the fresh air relay coil chattering from low voltage from the battery while cranking. Nothing to worry about.
I think you should very carefully check your hot start relay wiring. The 15amp fuse should be only to protect against the start signal wire getting shorted. If it is repeatedly blowing, then there is an intermittant or high resistance short being felt by the start signal from the ignition switch.
Phil

coqui914

More info on the gremlin : The clicking noise under the dash was heard while running the car. It is the same noise you hear when the parking brake is on and the red light flashes in the dash. The click was heard though the red light was not on. I believe that system also alerts of loss of pressure on the brake system.

Does anybody have a schematic drawing for the electricals in this model? I will be glad to pay $10.00 for your phone call, if anybody would be so kind as to fax it to me, (601) 798-7553. Call before faxing, on that same line, so I do not end up with more than one copy. Thanks.

Robert von Dingdongdi914isded

hitbyastick

There is a wiring diagram in every Haynes Manual if you want to buy it.

philinjax

Re: More info on the gremlin.
"That" clicking sound is the emer/hazard flasher. If the big red light is not flashing then your master cyl. and emergency brake are okey. If there are no flashing lights anywhere, inside or outside of the car, I don't know what's up. You will have to do more trouble shooting. Check out the electrical diagrams on the PP site.
Pull the hot start relay off and rewire to the stock configuration, then see what happens with your starting system.
Phil

Joe Abbagnaro

Here is the Electrical Diagrams.


<a href="http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/914_electrical_diagrams.htm" target="_blank">http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/914_electrical_diagrams.htm</a>