- Intermittent issue, only occurs when car is started cold (so far). But does not always occur.

- Car starts and runs fine ('84 NA)

- Headlights won't pop up if engine is running, but pop up if engine is not running with ignition on.

- Headlights turn off once car is started if they are already on

- Wipers, radiator fan (AC engaged), heater fan don't work with engine running

- radiator fan came on after engaging AC with engine off, but then stayed on after removing key (engine completely cold)

- Power windows operate normally, dash lights work, with engine on

- All problems go away after stopping/restarting engine a few times and fiddling with controls

- Battery ~4 years old, original alternator and ignition switch (170K), main engine grounds tight, main engine grounds cleaned a few years ago.

 

You may want to replace the ignition switch as a start (no pun intended). It sounds like a short is lurking somewhere inside. They're cheap and easy to replace.

 

yeah, i'd start with the ign switch as well.
84 NA uses a ~$6 part... easy to swap out too.

 

Thanks, a switch is on order. It occurred again today with the engine running. With the headlight switch on, the headlamps stayed down. Right after wiggling the ignition key with the car still running, the headlamps popped up. Not sure if wiggling the key can affect the switch connections...

 

while you wait for the new switch you might try just pulling the connector off the back of your current switch (you can see/reach it easily if you climb under the dash) and bridging the contacts to see how it runs...