I’m having a problem with the idiot lights on my 84 928. When I first start the engine, all warning lights function normally. They light briefly then go out after a few seconds. If I turn off the ignition and restart, all of the idiot lights come on and remain on. Stop lamp, washer fluid, coolant level, brake fluid, brake pad, parking brake, engine oil (gage normal), high temp (gage normal), low fuel (gage normal), low oil (level normal) along with the “!”.They don’t flicker or flash but remain on steady until I turn the ignition off. When I let it set for 20 minutes, the problem reoccurs. It acts like a switch is holding everything out. Does anyone have any suggestions? I would appreciate the help.

 

Hi Rick and Welcome

There is a separate computer/controller for the warning lights it is located under the "Dead" peddle on the 85 and up (so thinking the 84 is the same).

A little history would be helpful here, how long have you had the car, and when did this start happening?

The first thing I would do is clean all the fuses and check each one for correct amperage rating.
Clean the connections to the Warning Controller, they are colored so you can't mix them up.

Then Clean as many ground points as you can find, WD 40 works good and will put a coating on the connections helping to reduce corrosion.

The Ground points can be found in the Forums "Read First" sticky.

Dave

 

Bad electrical switch assembly on the back of the ignition assembly, or weak spring in mechanical part not returning the key to the run position - common problem.

 

Thanks Dave and Neil for both of these suggestions. Looks like you guy know what you're talking about. I'll check into both. I just bought the car for a restoration. Never restored a 928 before. It was doing this when I got it. Mechanically it's perfect and absolutely no rust anywhere but lots of electrical issues. I've corrected all except this. I've already cleaned all ground points I can find. Also removed and cleaned all fuses & relay contact points.

 

At 928 Internationals 1/2 off sale you can get a used ignition electrical switch for $15..... and you can test it in your car by just unplugging the wire harness pulling the wires out from under the pod and plug in the replacement switch. If it solves the problems then you can go ahead and pull the instrument pod to install. But it is a common problem often keeping the starter from cranking as well.

 

Thanks James, I'll try that first. My neighbor has a switch I can try. the pod is already removed.