telidor99

I would like some advice from the 928 electrical guru's.

Problem:

Pod illumination went out. (Backlights)
Turn Signals do work all the time (They only worked intermittently before problem)
Some times the headlight will come on when head lights are up (Existing problem, no change sense backlights went out)

History:
When ever I turned on the headlights..the system warning light would display on the dash as well as the center console. Depressing it would make it go away for a time (10-15 min or less). Blinkers would not work all the time..regardless of headlights being on.

What I have checked:
Both Red fuses look good (Recently replaced) (That relate to dash)

Possible Contribution to problem:
Pulled out fuse panel cleaned fuse contacts
Replaced most of fuses.
replaced grounding wire for stereo (Or something previous owner had placed in).
Lights worked fine for a day or two.

What I will check this weekend.
Voltage on across both fuses.

Any ideas other than pulling pod out and looking for obvious loose wires,etc?



Rob from Atl

Car Details:

1981 Euro Auto

michael j wright

Sounds like the little wheel for the dash illumination needs to be cleaned- try to spin it back and forth a few times, that might clear it up for a while. If you havn't already you should also read the FAQ's - you will find lots and lots of info regarding the wiring and other care for these cars that yoou really need. all the best- mike

davek9

It would be helpful Rob if you stated fuse position numbers and amp rating's on the fuses you checked.

You can find fuse charts on 928 Specialist site. http://www.928gt.com/
It is very important to check ALL the fuses for the correct amp rating, many have found the wrong amp rated fuses installed.
I think you need to start troubleshooting & fixing one circuit at a time.

Good luck and keep us posted on you progress.

DaveK9

Mike Frye

+1 to the dimmer wheel. I'm going with that one for the console lights.

For the (!) warning light when you turn on the lights, I'll bet you've got a specific warning indicator light out. When you turn the key to the first position, you should get a bulb test on your console. Compare this to the indicator lights in your user manual.

I had the same problem and found that I had an indicator light bulb in the pod out. In addition, you've probably got one of your cornering bulbs that is causing a problem. (Does the (!) light come on several seconds after the lights are turned on?) Mine were working, but the resistance from one was different from the other (these should be replaced in pairs, apparently) and it was triggering the warning light. These are also susceptible to ground issues.

Hang in there, as DaveK9 said, you can fix it one problem at a time and you WILL make progress. If you try to fix them all at once you'll just be frustrated.

PS- I've been wrong on these things before, and your car may have a different wiring setup than mine, so YMMV.

Alan

So it all sounds lighting related.

I'd suspect the pod grounding or the headlight switch connections, maybe connections the rheostat (but that only explains the dash lights).

Do your marker lights work? I suspect there is a problem with either your brake lights or marker lights - check all the rear lighting and the warning bulbs during bulb check.

Alan

6mil928

Mike where is this thing supposed to be? I've got a 81 OB and have never seen it. Are all cars supposed to have it? Jason

JKelly

If your headlights pop up and come on, but the pod illumination is out, check the little push switches in the door frame (the ones that trigger the interior lights when the door is opened).

6mil928

John you sure on this? My 81 had a pin switch missing when I bought it and it did not effect the dash lights. Jason

Dennis Wilson

The dimmer rheostat is at the bottom of the dash, left of the steering wheel. As mentoned earlier, they get corroded or in some cases, they burn out. Not sure on your MY but the early 928's had two fuses for the dash gauges and one fuse for the illumination. May want to check your fuse chart again.

Dennis

Alan

What on earth are you thinking...? - there is no relationship here... Alan

JKelly

ok, I agree completely, but if you can just convince my car of that.......

I was making the suggestion to check the switch out of my own experience. In addition to breeding gremlins, maybe these cars also produce phantasmal effects?

telidor99

The dimmer switch was on high before the problem and was still every dim. I will do tests over the weekend. Thanks for the responses.

6mil928

Can anyone take a picture of the dimmer wheel for me. My 81 doesn't have it and I'd like to know where it should be exactly. A picture from a 81 would be great but any OB should be the same I would assume. Jason

michael j wright

Jason just run your hand under the pod area to the left of the wheel and you should be able to feel it', or just lay on your back and you will see it sticking out in a little depresion right next to the button that us Euro folks push to reset the odo with. Oh and just to mess with your mind a little bit more there should be another to the left of the pod to adjust the speed of the intermintent wipers. If you still can't find it, take the lower trim pannel off IIRC two screws and you will deffinatly find it!

6mil928

Mike I looked under my dash and it's not there. Looks like it should be but it's gone. I've got the high pressure washer but no dimmer. Funny thing is I don't see any extra wires that hook to it. Jason