Yesterday when I was driving the car around the block it suddenly completely shut down, just when it spotted a couple of police officers.

So there I was on the side of the road with my porsche....

After a few tries it started back up and it drove perfectly.

This afternoon I decided to take it out for another small drive, and no start...
The starter will turn, sometimes even a little running, but then nothing....

I also noticed then turning the keys, that the dash warning lights would not work, and the annoying 'dong-dong-dong' alarm sounded rather 'funky' as if the battery was almost empty.

After wiggling the key a few times, all of a sudden the dash check lights would come on without a problem and the 'dong-dong-dong' sound sounded much healther. After that, the car would start and run perfectly.

So I am guessing the ignition switch is the culprit here.
Are they repairable or should I get a new switch?

Or could it be something other than the switch? (relay somewhere maybe)

 

Sounds like the switch to me. As far as I know they are not repairable.

 

Rex, what kind of car do you have? Spend a few minutes in UserCP and add location and year/model in your profile, so you won't have to type it in at the end of every post.

Common failures causing some of your symptoms include the fuel pump relay, and may also include ignition and injection relays depending on the year of your car. If you haven't been through the ritual of cleaning ground points, and also cleaning fuses and holders on early cars, now would be a good time. If it is the ignition switch, the electrical part is a separate part from the key lock part, and takes less than an hour to change. The service part has a 964 prefix in the part number so it is fairly reasonably priced as Porsche parts go. The instrument pod has to come up a little, after you remove the steering wheel and slide the turn signal combo switch assy up the column a bit for clearance. There are good write-ups in several of the tips pages. The regular 928 guys like 928 International have the part ready to ship.

 

Hi Bob,

I have a 86.5. I just checked again, and I'm pretty confident it is the switch.
When I slowly turn the key, nothing on the dash lights up and the dong-dong (what is the official term for that silly thing??) sounds very soft.

When trying a few times more, I feel a 'click' in the key and the dash light jump on and the car will start.

Will check the forum for instructions of pod removal. Wanted to check the rev-counter as well (sometimes does not work), so I will combine this.

Good to know the electric part is separate from the key cylinder.

cheers
Michel

 

The switch pushes into the back side of the key lock. If I remember right there is a lock screw.

 

ignition switch on all 928s is all the same, and a common failure
you'll need to take out the package shelf and assorted trim pieces then loosen the pod until you can get a 90 degree angle screwdriver on the set screw to remove the switch
this would be a good time to pull the cluster and clean it up, Dwayne has a good writeup on this he's posted a bit back

welcome to 928 ownership

 

The switch is a known failure item and when it fails there is NO TELLING what it will look like! That is why it surprises so many people and so many things get replaced needlessly. When it fails some of the craziest things start to happen with these cars. Light problems, climate control problems, you name it! Really wild. It is a fairly cheap part (under $100 I think) and I believe there is a write up on this forum that tells how to replace it! I bet it will fix your problems!

 

to update your profile click on user CP,
then edit signature,
then add you car info,
year model and color and options and where you live.

From your post the IG switch sounds like the main cause .
BUT you should also check the battery connections and the ground strap connection first as this can also be part of the problem

 

I have a similar problem. Cold engine, drove it the previous day, no problems: turn key to first position, pod lights light, fans run, sound normal (turned them off), turn key to start, I get "click" then dash goes dark and of course nothing happens. Repeat, no click, no lights, nothing. It's like there is no battery, but batt is charged. A couple hours later, I get lights again, then turn to start - click, nothing. At least it's not intermittant and it was in the garage at home that is half sour casm I just wanted to get subscribed to this thread and I will report after replacing the switch.

 

Quote-- to update your profile click on user CP,
then edit signature,
then add you car info,
year model and color and options and where you live.

I did,nt think you could do the above unless you,re a fully paid up member of Rennlist ? although I stand to be corrected ?

Ken
80 928 S
5 Speed

UK

 

Ken,

I think you might be correct, but being a member is such a small price compared to the incredible amount of information you receive from this site. If you own a 928 this should be part of the dues of owning one. I hung out as a user for a week or so, and then began feeling guilty for not being a member.