headlamp ignition electric bug

[khamul02]

When I turn my ignition to the on position my turn signals and lights work perfectly. Then I crank the car moving the ignition switch forward slightly and my lights stop working. The only way to get them to come back on is to turn the car off and move the ignition switch back to the on position. Strange bug. Lights wont come on while the car is running. Any ideas?

[khamul02]

Anyone? I can't drive at night

[Joe Bob]

Lights are on when you start the car? Have you tried waiting to turn them on until it's running?

If they don't come on after the car is running, get a multimeter and test the output and input voltage at the switch. 12v in and nothing out, it's the switch. Nothing in, it's downstream.

[khamul02]

Ok I will give that a try. One other note that is strange is that the dash lights work. It is strange. My thought was that the problem might be with the ignition as it is was is impacted the lights going on and off.

[Joe Bob]

Dash lights and "parking lights" work on the first pull and when the engine isn't running at the second/full pull.

When the engine IS running the lights come on. Check both the high and low beams. You may have a defective hi/lo stalk.

[khamul02]

Everything works perfectly when the car is not running. As soon as you move the ignition to crank everything goes off except the dash lights. I'm not sure the blinkers are even working once the key is in the "full on" position. Nothing I have tried will get the lights back on except turning the car off and putting the key in the accessories on (I guess it is called) position.

[Joe Bob]

Do you have a wiring diagram or a Bentley? Sounds like the ignition switch.....

On the "everything" goes out, does this include running lights?

[Joe Bob]

[khamul02]

I have a Bentley.. again.. with all the lights fully functional until I hit the on position it just seems like it is the ignition. Once I have the car started only the dash lights work. It was interesting the other night driving home with nothing

[Joe Bob]

Then check the diagram look for the lighting lead off of the ignition and look for the dead power lead. Could be the relays above the dash in the trunk.

[1976 TN Porsche]

The headlights on my 1976 911s do the same thing sometimes. I have to jiggle the ignition switch to get the headlights to start working again.

[kidrock]

my money is on a bad ignition switch. Maybe a removal and a good cleaning will solve the issue. I'd check all applicable grounds as well.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by khamul02

When I turn my ignition to the on position my turn signals and lights work perfectly. Then I crank the car moving the ignition switch forward slightly and my lights stop working. The only way to get them to come back on is to turn the car off and move the ignition switch back to the on position. Strange bug. Lights wont come on while the car is running. Any ideas?

Tom,

The 911 ignition switch assembly comprises two separate sections. The mechanical (key & lock) and the electrical (tumbler) where all the electrical connections are mounted. The hardest part is removing the electrical switch (tumbler) and once you are able to separate it from the key/lock section, you could actually be able to start the car without the key.

You need to inspect the ignition switch assembly to determine the problem. Remember there are 2 major parts involve in the operation of the ignition switch. The mechanical and electrical parts. You'll be doing a lot of guesswork in your troubleshooting if you don't inspect the IS assembly. HTH.

Tony

[khamul02]

Thanks everyone. I will pull the ignition in a day or so. It has to be the problem as I now have noticed my wipers are working the same way as my lights.

[khamul02]

Whelp, It was in fact my ignition switch. It looked newish.. but the upper screw had not been installed ... probably out of laziness. When I removed the lower screw the whole ignition switch fell apart.. The thing was screwed... Anyway .. new one installed using the short screwdriver technique and all is well.

[Rick968]

My 1984 911 targa has been running great.
However, I accidentally tried to start it yesterday while in first gear.
Lurched a bit and did did start.
On my very next turning of key, still did not turn over.
Lights etc all work fine and I hear the fuel pump whirring away, but no starter turn over or click of the solenoid.

Could this one bad start of mine have fried out my otherwise working Ignition switch?

BTW, had my sons come give me a push yesterday for a bump start, it fired right up and drove fine all the way home.

Turned off in garage and again nothing when starting with key.

Also, is there a way to replace IS without removing from dash?
Upper screw on IS electrical portion seems impossible to reach from underneath?

Thanks!

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by Rick968

My 1984 911 targa has been running great.
However, I accidentally tried to start it yesterday while in first gear.
Lurched a bit and did did start.
On my very next turning of key, still did not turn over.
Lights etc all work fine and I hear the fuel pump whirring away, but no starter turn over or click of the solenoid.

Could this one bad start of mine have fried out my otherwise working Ignition switch?

BTW, had my sons come give me a push yesterday for a bump start, it fired right up and drove fine all the way home.

Turned off in garage and again nothing when starting with key.

Also, is there a way to replace IS without removing from dash?
Upper screw on IS electrical portion seems impossible to reach from underneath?

Thanks!

Rick,

Do a search-Ignition Switch Removal. Lots of help waiting for you there!

Good luck,

Gerry

[Rick968]

OK.
Pretty set on how best to take it out now.
Thanks.

But do you think this miss-start in gear would have fried the switch?