944StaceyQ

What are the signs of an ignition switch going out and how involved is it to replace?

My 85/1 944 recently started doing nothing when I turn the key. All lights come on and the door/ key alarm bings but the starter doesn’t make any noise and the engine is quiet. After a half dozen tries, and for no reason at all, the car will start and run like a champ.

It’s not the battery or charging issue or the DME relay. All has been sorted. It’s also a cold engine so loose solder joints shouldn’t be the issue.

I was thinking it might be the starter starting to give up, but it just doesn’t have the same noises that typically go with that issue. Clicking, buzzing, spinning without kicking out the gear, etc.

Gage

First try cleaning the contact surfaces of the two pole plug forward of the firewall and just inboard of the brake booster.

944StaceyQ

Can you help me out here and identify which plug you are referencing.

walfreyydo

Disconnect the solenoid wire from the starter (the small wire) and measure for +12V when the key is turned (as you would if you were starting the car). If you get +12 the ignition switch is good and there may be an issue with the starter. I would test multiple times to be sure. If you do get consistent +12V to the solenoid, remove the starter and get it bench tested.


You could also test for +12V to the solenoid directly from the ignition switch if you can figure out which wire it is (I would review a wiring diagram).

orig944

Do this, but don't disconnect the wire. If the switch has high resistance rather than completely open, it will show +12 if the load (solenoid winding) is removed from the circuit.

Dr. 914

a test light on the solenoid where the ignition switch wire clips own, hit it to start and if the light lights and the starter does not engage, the starter is bad. If no test light the ignition switch is bad. I would certainly suspect the ignition switch first. They get brittle and crack so one cannot turn the switch far enough to engage. Next time this happens try to wiggle the key in the switch up and down and harder to the right and see if you can get the starter to engage

drscottsmith

On my 928, I would have situations where some (not nearly all) warning lamps on the dash would stay lit (e.g. STOP LAMP) and the power windows would not work. A little jiggle of the key with the car running would cause contact to be made and the next tap of. the brake pedal satisfied the STOP LAMP lite and the windows would work. Never had any affect on actual starting.

replaced the switch and no issues since.

I say all this as the switch in my 951 has the same part number as the 928 (starts with 928...)

-Scott

944StaceyQ

I like this idea since it’s hit or miss when it decides it doesn’t want to turn over. 5-10 minutes later it decides to work. Thanks