<944> Wipers and Lights Don't Work?

neildeshpande · 06-18-2003, 04:19 PM

Gruppe:

The 87 944 was hard to start yesterday, but after about 10 cranking events, it did start. Started first-shot this morning. 10x cranking events this evening after work again. The starter cranks very nicely. There is fuel in the tailpipe so that is not the issue. I suspect electrical.

Now, the headlights, wipers, blower, window lifts, etc., do not work. Hazard, brake, marker lamps, turn signals, dash lights DO work. Further confirming electrical issues.

Anyone seen this before? I suspect a ground issue, but not all grounds. Which one is it? Thanks!

Neil Deshpande

Roger Hall · 06-18-2003, 06:37 PM

Try the electrical diagrams on pelican, http://www.pelicanparts.com/944/electrical/944_electrical_diagrams.htm if you have problems post back. I can help but you but its to late for me to download the 944 current flow diagrams. I would guess you have a blown one or more fuses. Cleaning all the grounds is a very good idea.

neildeshpande · 06-18-2003, 07:06 PM

Roger:

Thanks! I will look into this tomorrow, but I stopped at a gas station and found ALL fuses save the rear window defroster intact.

Neil Deshpande

Roger Hall · 06-18-2003, 07:39 PM

Sometimes when fuse's blow its not easy to see. Try using a continuity tester or multimeeter to test the fuse's.

neildeshpande · 06-20-2003, 08:17 PM

Roger:

It did not rain today and the 944 works fine! The wipers, headlamp pop-up, etc., are all back online! Whatever it was only happens when the car is driven in rain or sits in rain. Does that help the diagnosis? Thanks!

Neil Deshpande

Roger Hall · 08:13 AM

Well it could be a leak. If it is a leak I would guess its comming from the drain tray infront of the windsheild. Clean it out well make sure the drains are not cloged, mine had some cracks by the windsheild wiper motor and water was leaking inside the car down the steering cloum. I sealed the cracks with marinetex. Its an epoxy you can find at any boat store. I would aslo look under the battery to see if there is any coriosion causing leaks.

neildeshpande · 06-21-2003, 07:59 AM

Roger:

Thanks! I will look into the leak theory and attempt to clean out the ground this afternoon. It is not going to rain this week so it may be some time before I find out the effectiveness of my actions. Thanks!

Neil Deshpande

neildeshpande · 07-02-2003, 08:47 PM

Roger:

I was out of the Country for 10 days and could not work on this problem, but it recurred today.

Cranked, would not start. The wipers, windows, headlamps, etc., all working. Cranked. Cranked. Started. Wipers, windows, headlamps, blower not working. Drove 45 mins. The wipers, etc., did not come back. Stopped at home. Turned off car and put ignition on. All working. Cranked. Started this time. Everything works.

Wow!

I'm going to clean grounds and drains in the windshiled base area this weekend. I don't mind problems with locks, etc., but running reliability is unacceptable to me. Have to fix it!

Neil Deshpande

Roger Hall · 07-03-2003, 03:23 PM

Good Luck

neildeshpande · 07-03-2003, 07:06 PM

Roger:

I was a little smarter today and had the blower on while I cranked the car. All was well till I hit a bump and then the blower went off. Sure enough the wiper, windows and headlamps did not work either! No rain to be seen!

A-ha! A loose relay? I'll be looking in the circuit diagrams tomorrow.

Neil Deshpande

Buddy · 07-04-2003, 02:24 AM

Sounds more like a bad ignition switch.

neildeshpande · 07-04-2003, 05:53 AM

Buddy:

Can you explain further?

Neil Deshpande

TSNAPCRACKLEPOP · TSNAPCRACKLEPOP's Garage

i support buddy diagnosis, do you have lots of keys on your fob???

Roger Hall · 07-04-2003, 02:03 PM

Since these systems deal with different relays its doubtfull that they are all bad. Igintion switches are a common problem. It could also be the fuse/relay board.

neildeshpande · 07-04-2003, 02:22 PM

Roger:

OK, I understand. I, too, was looking for a common element, but assumed it was a ground, but a ground is unlikely to be affected by bumps (at least it was the one time). How can I check the ignition switch? Any other ideas on checking the relay/fuse board?

Neil Deshpande

Roger Hall · 07-04-2003, 02:39 PM

I belive that there are different ground points for the systems also. Check the current flow diagrams but IIRC there is a ground by each of the headlights. The blower and windsheild wipers probably ground under the dash but they might ground on the rear of the intake manifold. Power window's ground under the dash.

Back up under the dash there are one or two round metal tabs with lots of brown wires. In the center there is a bolt that may have come loose. However it would probably effect more systems if it was lose.

Since your problem is inconsistant it would be hard to troubleshoot the ignition switch or the relay board. However its fairly basic use your multimeeter to test for continuity with the circuit on and off. Next time it happens try wiggling the key and see if it makes a difference.

ae1969 · 07-04-2003, 05:57 PM

My old 924 did the same thing.............bad ignition switch (too many keys).

Its a good place too start......

but also look at the fuse box, on my 944 the contacts in the fuse box were not making a good contact with the fuse box.....

Same symptom you describe.... bump and the blower stopped... bump and it started................... when it stops running on you again.... go and wiggle the fuse.

neildeshpande · 07-04-2003, 09:20 PM

Gruppe:

I had the hard-start problem again and looked in the relay/fuse box. The "Ignition Relay X" cover was loose! Came right off in my hand. I pressed it back on and turned the key and the car started right up. I'll replace that relay and watch for the problem again. Make sense to any of you guys? Thanks!

Neil Deshpande