I have a problem with my 91 C2. When I turn the car off several electrical items stay energized. With the car turned off the head lights, wipers windows, heater control and who knows what else still have power and function. When is power suppose to be cut to these devices? after a period of time when the car is turned off? when the key is removed? when the door is open? If someone could tell me how the car should works it would help me know were to start looking.

thanks

john

 

I find that I can use my power windows until a door is opened with the car off (key out of the ignition). This is on a 92 C4. The radio works, too, but it's wired to do it that way. I am pretty sure my headlights stay on as long as they're turned on; they do in most cars I believe. Nothing else to my knowledge works with the key off - I'll try my wipers tomorrow! Hope that's helpful!

 

John, Some of these problems could be caused by a broken ignition lock switch, the one just behind the ignition lock. [accessable from under the dash]. A other think could be that you installed a radio in the last couple of days, and connected the 15+ wrong so when your ignition is off, other components will have power......... You get strange things then.....

 

Dear John,
I have to agree the ignition switch would be where I would start looking first. The ignition switch activates and de-activates the electrical distribution system relays. I suspect that at least one of them is not being de-activated. It is like you are in the accessory position.
Ciao,
Adrian
964C4

PS: Arjan it is 12V not 15V. 15V would give you smoke and remove the need for the cigarette lighter

 

Is this a problem that has been chronic, or has it developed recently? I have had spooky eleclical stuff that I finally traced to poor ground. Apparently the electrical current finds alternate paths sometimes. In my case, switches that were supposedly off would be live, and some rocker switches would turn other stuff on, etc. Absolutely haunted. I finally found a round multi-pronged ground behind the dash that was so loose it spun on it's mounting screw! Twist of a screwdriver fixed it all.

 

Dear Horst,
These are age and condition related issues and not specific to any one type of auto. Electrical gremlins are normal and very hard to find. Vibration and corrosion related. One complaint that applies to all models of Porsche is that they are water traps. I do not know why Porsche with all their brilliance in engineering could not design and install drain systems on Porsches that do their job properly.
Ciao,
Adrian
964C4

 

Adrian, I ment with the 15+, the connection which is used for power after the ignition switch, such as wipers, radio and a lot of other electrical users which should shut down after removing the key.

30+ is permanent power
15+ is switched power
31- is ground or mass
50+ is power for starter

In the next reply I will show the ignition lock switch. I replaced it a while back

 

Here it c omes.........

 

Ok, can some one tell me when there winshield wipers stop. When you turn the key off? remove it? open the door?

john

 

Hi. My wipers turn off when key is turned to position "0". They are on when in position "1" or "2". I believe this is how they should operate. I don't think removing the key or opening the door should have anything to do with the wipers.

Rich