Skiviking

Hello to all and any help with this would be much appreciated. I'm a new owner of a used 83 928S up here in Vermont. It's an auto trans. Right now when the car is shut off, keys out and lights turned off...the running lights stay on. resulting in a drained battery if left connected. I can't find any blown fuses and right now a little stumped as to why this is. any ideas?? This car is not a gem...but has possiblities. Thanks!

cold_beer839

Are the tail light staying on also, or is it just the front driving lights in the bumper?

Andre Hedrick

Or is it front and back on one side?

Mrmerlin

if a front and back light are staying on with the key and light switch removed then the turn signakl switch is in the on position for the affected side or it has failed.. Bottom line need a bit more info on exactly what lights are on and do you own/have the owners manual

medipedicman

On the drivers side rear, in the back hatch under the tool kit is a black ground strap for the battery. I would recommend removing the strap from ground post and letting sit overnight (wrap your strap with a dry towel or carpet remnant to prevent contact). This will not fix your problem long term but often times on my 1983 it will "reset" the electrical system. In the owners manual there are pages dedicated to the fuse and relay panel that are very helpful. I would start by comparing the picture with your panel. Did the previous owner try to jump from one circuit to another? Any creative engineering for aftermarket electronics (cd,mp3,radar etc).

There are some verrry knowledgable members who can help further, I just always start with the simple stuff.

OJ GTS

Sticking Relay? Had a similar thing on my Mum's 993 when the heater fan kept running after the engine was switched off, and constantly ran the battery flat

Skiviking

Hello and thanks for all the suggestions.
Dave, yes the taillights and side marker lights are the ones that stay on. To be honest, the PO said he didn't know much about porsches and I'm sure I have a nest to figure out. But I got it running and drove it 5hrs last week up here without a problem other than the lights staying on. In the next few days I hope to have an owners manuls for this and a fuse chart that is accurate for the model and year. I had read in an earlier thread here that some of the posted relay charts online are not accurate. So before damaging the system I'm waiting to get my hands on the "real deal"
OJ, I will check the sticking relay theory as soon as I know which one it is i the fuse box.
Thank again for all the help Gauges will be the next thing to tackle, then on to the correct spoiler, and ex and int trim. I'm glad the engine and running gear is solid. But if I can get the lights and turn signals worked out I can register it up here and continue the work while enjoying driving in between. I know I'm going to enjoy this for some time to come!

Alan

Well it isn't a fuse or a relay - at least not a stock relay - so don't bother there. Look for an aftermarket alarm - it could be that since they often flash the lights for confirmations. Check the turn signal stalk is it acive left or right? This should turn on only one sides markers (only with ignition off) - but an alarm install may also have shorted both marker circuits together...

Otherwise pretty much the only culprit is the main light switch.

Alan

Skiviking

Thanks Alan, You may be on to something there. PO wasn't sure if it had an alarm, upon rooting around the interior, in the glove box I found a toggle switch in the back left corner. Switched it back and forth with nothing happening. I will try and follow to see if it's hooked up to anything. Today I have to track down interior trim bits and pieces that are damaged or missing. I'll report if this gets solved or not...Thanks again for the ideas and what to be looking for.

Skiviking

Well, still haven't figured out why the parking or running light won't shut off. But got the turn signals working on both sides now. Still have to disconnect the battery so it isn't drained by the lights that won't shut off. Fogs still won't work yet. This electrical gremlins are keeping me busy....Think I'm going to be buying a whole lot of relays...lol