Tom928

On my '84 928s, If I turn the key to the on position;
no dash lights, headlights do not pop-up, no foglights, no window or sunroof operation, no radio and there is a constant slow beeping sound while the key is in the on position.

Parking, brake, backup and interior lights work along with turn signals and 4ways. Mirrors, seats, heater fan and hatch release also work.

If I turn the key to start; the engine cranks (pretty quickly) but does not start.

My experience with other cars, is if the battery is low or going dead the engine will not crank (or cranks very slowly); however, the lights and accessories usually work.

My questions is - does this sound like just a dead or dying battery or is my paranoia justified if I think this is something more serious?

Thanks,

Jim bailey - 928 International

I would suspect that the electric part of the ignition switch has failed.... it no longer makes contact in the "run" position. About $ 55 for a new one.

fbarnhill

I had a similar problem once with an 83s. My mechanic pulled the lighting module, pulled the cap off, re-soldered the connections on the board and it worked from that point on. He mentioned that a new module was over $400.00. I wish I could remember more but memory is not what it used to be.

Frank Barnhill
79 Euro

Alan

No - if it cranks the engine the battery is pretty good... Sounds most likely you have a problem with your ignition switch - it seems like the Ignition output may not be working but the starter position is.

You can test this on the CE (fuse) panel. Test for ignition coming on (thats all you should really need to start the car).

Test the top of fuse #9 (or 10/11/12) does it go to 12v+ when you turn the ignition key to position 2 'ignition' (of 0/1/2/3). If no seems you indeed have a switch problem... if yes - we need to keep looking

Alan

PS Note to others - these fuse positions are year specific so check or ask if you need to do similar...

Mark

WHAT JIM SAID!

That thing causes a go-zillion different wierd gremlins when it starts to go south...

Tom928

This is interesting because I have noticed the key is somwhat loose (not real loose) in the ignition switch and I can tell it has been replaced at some point in time. I will check voltages on fuses and let you know what I find.

Thanks again for all the help.

Tom928

Jim you nailed it.
Turns out I can get all the none working things to work by turning the ignition switch BACK just a bit and then pushing up on the key. All of a sudden everything works and now it starts if I keep upward pressure on the key.

So, do I replace just the electrical part of the ignition switch or the whole thing and have to re-key?

Alan

Tom,
Sounds like just the electrical part - that's usually what wears and gets jiggly & occasionally intermittent (or worse) - as long as the key goes in & turns smoothly initially you are probably good with just the switch replacement.

Alan

Tom928

Alan,
I will replace the switch. I haven't ventured into the pod yet - kind of intimidating. Does this involve taking the pod apart or do I need to find some tiny hands?

Thnaks for all the help,

Jim bailey - 928 International

You need only change the electrical part but to access one of the two screws you need to remove the pod.

Tom928

Well, if I'm going into the pod, while I'm there what else should I consider replacing?

I figure the illumination bulbs are a given. Maybe the notorious speedometer gear?

Thanks,



Thanks,