Porsche 928 Ignition Problems

[catillery]

Hello! I recently purchased a 1984 928 that ran great. The previous owner described that he had to turn the key all the way firmly to get the car to start. Now, it won't start at all. The dash lights come on, but there is no "click" from the starter. I don't hear the relay. I checked to see if there is power coming to the starter when the key is turned all the way, but there is none. It makes me think the ignition switch is bad and is not sending a signal. Any thoughts before I replace the switch? Thanks!

[Reddog2]

Try the easy things first. Switch the starter relay with the horn relay (assuming horn relay works)

[Alan in AZ]

Try the horn? if it works swap the starter relay with the horn relay and see if that changes anything.

You could also pull the starter relay and test socket terminal 86 - it is what is connected to the starter terminal on the ignition switch - should go to 12+v in start position only.

A 30A fused jumper connected between starter relay socket pins 87 and 30 should start the car if the ignition switch is on and everything else works (obviously you have to pull the jumper as soon as it starts....)

Alan

[catillery]

I was able to jump start the starter relay and the car started. I then swapped some relays but the car still wouldn't start with the key. I went ahead, pulled the pod and replaced the starter switch. The car still won't start with the key. Any ideas what's next? Could it be the neutral safety switch? Am I just missing a lose wire somewhere?

[Landseer]

Elecctrical part of ignition switch is a common replacement item.
Remove the pod covers for access.
Be certain to disconnect battery before removal of switch from backside.
Screwdriver that is the right length to access the back can get wedged in place and cause a sparky short you won't forget.

First check integrity of all the wiring around and behind the CE panel though.

[aluminum]

If you jumped the Start Relay and the starter worked then replace the Relay .
You Say " replaced the starter switch " after pulling the Pod , by that I presume you mean the
" Ignition switch " a common failing in the 928 .
However if the starter worked with the relay jumped " With the Key in start Ignition Switch " then obviously the problem is with the Relay .
I also Presume you have a Automatic Transmission and are talking about Socket " 7 Relay .
If the Relay has no Power to it from the Ignition switch in start Position then you have a Wiring problem of some sort / Bad Connection or the like perhaps.

[catillery]

I have replaced the relays and still no luck. As I indicated earlier, the car will jump from the starter relay. I have replaced the ignition switch. Could it by chance be the safety neutral switch? If so, where is that located? Thanks again for everyone's help!

[neil30076]

You do not say,but i assume as you are asking about the neutral safety switch it is an automatic, as a manual does not have one.
The neutral lock out comes into the CE panel on U7, put a voltmeter on U7 to ground and move the shift from Park to neutral and D, and see if it changes.

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by neil30076

You do not say,but i assume as you are asking about the neutral safety switch it is an automatic, as a manual does not have one.
The neutral lock out comes into the CE panel on U7, put a voltmeter on U7 to ground and move the shift from Park to neutral and D, and see if it changes.

From his profile Neil:

Vehicle Name
Year 1984
Make Porsche
Model 928 S
Color Black
Packages Auto

[neil30076]

Thanks Leo, didn't think to look at profile, only the garage pic

[Mrmerlin]

there is a starter relay,
put in a good one.

NOTE use the fuse relay chart to confirm your relays are all in the correct positions,
you wouldnt be the first to install a relay into the wrong slot

NOTE click on the correct year for your car after opening this link

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDYQjBAwAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.928gt.com%2Ft-8788fuse.aspx&ei=OrZGU6-XK5KmsASi94DwCg&usg=AFQjCNH1ld76yUhAEyHc8qyyA0otzpRMYQ&bvm=bv.64507335,d.cWc

[catillery]

Does anyone know how do you determine which one U7 is? I found U, but do not see the corresponding numbers. Thanks!

Chad

[catillery]

Just wanted everyone to know after a new ignition switch and ignition lock cylinder, the car now starts with a key. Thanks to everyone.

[Alan in AZ]

Originally Posted by catillery

Does anyone know how do you determine which one U7 is? I found U, but do not see the corresponding numbers. Thanks!

Chad

For ref: the terminal numbers are on the panel side (remove plug) very small embossed next to the terminal. Hoewever: 1 bottom left -> 4 top left; 5 bottom right -> 8 top right.

Alan