914 - turning lights on shuts everything down

[randy914]

Hi everyone. Hope someone can help. Day before yesterday, I started my 914, warmed it up for a minute, and the instant I turned on the lights, the whole system shut down. I jiggled the large wire harness under the dash (driver's side) and it came back to life. I drove about 20 miles, no problems. Yesterday, same thing happened, but this time when I jiggled, tugged, etc. could not get it going again. Any ideas on where to begin to look for the short or bad component? Please advise.

[JP Noonan]

If you mean everythnig goes dead BUT the red "GEN" light then the first thing is to disconnect the battery RIGHT NOW!!! The main ignition lead isn't fused on the 914 and if it shorts out it becomes a large cigar lighter, litteraly. The fuse panel pulls down after two phillips screws are removed. I'd look in that area for something that looks like a PO wired up or for a chafted/broken wire.

If everything goes off like the key was taken out then it probably isn't a chafting problem, it may be one of the main grounds in the electrical system. 1. The battery to chassis, make sure the battery post is not corroded and the point it mounts to the chassis is clean and not rusted. 2. Because your lights seem to be the key look at the spade terminal ground behind each of the head lights. 3. Look at the ground under the dash above the fuse block. 4. The other grounds are the trans to body strap and the one under the relay board in the engine compartment but I doubt those are to blame.

[SteveStromberg]

Also check all wiring harness connections I have seen the connecters inside the plugs work loose (it look's fine but inside they are loose).As with all electrical problems you start at the battery and check for voltage down the path.Look at you wiring diagram trace the current flow and check voltage with your Ohm meter(a test light may light showing juice but you won't know if you have low voltage)The harness must have the same reading as the battery i.e. if battery shows 13.4 volt between the posts this voltage will read the same any where you check the harness, if you have low voltage check your ground first as the electrons move from ground to positive remember early cars had postitive ground systems. As far as battery cables to use. Get the largest gauge you can I use O gauge nice and fat if you cannot find them at auto parts house try welding supply shop. Steve
<[This message has been edited by SteveStromberg (edited 02-03-2001).]

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Uhhh, the only cars that I know of that have positive grounds are some early British stuff. No German cars that I know of have ever used positive ground, not even the ancient 6V Bugs and 356es.

--DD

[SteveStromberg]

I was refering to early american cars.Steve

[randy914]

Hi everyone.

Many thanks to each of you for taking the time to respond and for your excellent suggestions. I did as you suggested and removed the fuse box, checked for loose connections, did a (probably poor) visual inspection for bare or broken wires -- found none, replaced all the fuses, screwed the fuse box back on and then cleaned the battery terminals and replaced the bolts that secure them. Not sure I found or fixed the real problem, but after that, the car started right up and, so far, hasn't given me any more problems (both fingers and all toes are crossed.)

Again, my thanks to all of you for your advice and help.

Best,

Randy Lane
San Jose, Calif

[Conrad W Peden]

I had the same problem with my 72.

It was the ignition switch. Or the part that the tumbler attaches to. This is the part that has the wires.


On mine the plastic wire piece broke and the wires were doing what ever they wanted.

When I put my hand blindly under there I found out in a hurry "which way electrons flow". Through my finger, then up my arm etc...

Good luck



------------------
CWP/VIR
72 914 L20E in rusto.
73 914 L20E 2.0L in resto.
http://members.rennlist.com/a914lover

[SteveStromberg]

Key swicthes DONOT like to have abunch of keys hanging from them,I Never have more than Three Keys hanging from switch. I learned the hard way.Steve

[This message has been edited by SteveStromberg (edited 02-06-2001).]

[rich]

A man goes into the doctor and say's "Doc it hurts when I do this." Doc say's..... Ya I know this isn't helping but I couldn't resist.

Cheers