1969 Ignition switch issue?
 

Hello, I have a 1969 912 I just purchased. It just started having an ignition issue. When I turn the switch to start the car nothing happens. All the correct lights come on the dash, there is electricity getting to coil and starter solenoid.

I'm thinking it may be the switch. I've looked around for a new one and no one seems to have one. Has someone come up with a decent replacement?

Also, I installed a "Joe Leoni" starter relay on my 356 which solved many ignition woes. Has anyone done this on the 912? Does the 912 already have a starter relay? I apologize for the naive question but haven't researched it yet.

Thank you ,

Frank

I also had that problem this summer. I got under the car and tapped lightly on the starter solenoid with a hammer a wala:D

Without meaning to state the obvious - if there is power going everywhere you need it (including he starter solenoid, then there is oohing wrong with the switch. Much more likely to be the solenoid itself.

tap on it

Frank,

An additional relay - as installed on your 356 - is always a good idea. It saves the contacts in your ignition switch and makes starting easier. Setup in the 912 is identical to the 356.

How did you measure the voltage on the starter solenoid. Did you use the engine as ground or the body? In case you used the body as ground for the measurement, and the grounding strap from engine to body makes a poor contact, the reading is misleading you. You need to measure across the solenoid, so with the engine as ground. Is there still 12 V on the solenoid and it doesn't attract, the solenoid could be the cause. A good internal clean up often solves the problem.

If there is no voltage reading with the engine used as ground for the measurement, the ground strap is the cause - as so often. Again take it apart, clean everything to bare metal and reassemble.

Do you hear a "click" when turning the ignition switch, so the solenoid attracts, then the starter motor itself is the cause. Also check the wiring between the solenoid and the starter motor for corrosion. Remember that the high currents can can cause a significant voltage drop across a small resistance.

Tapping on it could help for the moment, but doesn't take away the cause of the problem.

I hope this helps in your search for the cause,

Otto

Frank,

An additional relay - as installed on your 356 - is always a good idea. It saves the contacts in your ignition switch and makes starting easier. Setup in the 912 is identical to the 356.

How did you measure the voltage on the starter solenoid. Did you use the engine as ground or the body? In case you used the body as ground for the measurement, and the grounding strap from engine to body makes a poor contact, the reading is misleading you. You need to measure across the solenoid, so with the engine as ground. Is there still 12 V on the solenoid and it doesn't attract, the solenoid could be the cause. A good internal clean up often solves the problem.

If there is no voltage reading with the engine used as ground for the measurement, the ground strap is the cause - as so often. Again take it apart, clean everything to bare metal and reassemble.

Do you hear a "click" when turning the ignition switch, so the solenoid attracts, then the starter motor itself is the cause. Also check the wiring between the solenoid and the starter motor for corrosion. Remember that the high currents can can cause a significant voltage drop across a small resistance.

Tapping on it could help for the moment, but doesn't take away the cause of the problem.

I hope this helps in your search for the cause,

Otto