Electric gremlins #1

[karaoke_carlos]

Well, here it goes...

I'm trying to get my car up to "roadworthy" conditions. I just purchased it and the PO didn't inform me of the electrical gremlins.

So, I have a weird electric problem:

When I switch off the ignition, if I "accidentally" activate the left turn signals, the right rear tail lights light up, and stay on.

I'm guessing I might need new relays but before I go spending money on 3-4 relays, I'd like to get more input.

Also, when I was testing the hazard lights, a funny thing happens. The left and right lights do not light up at the same time. THey light up in alternating patterns... so it's kind of a fun show... and it reminds me of a few too many late nights with red lights shining in my rear view mirror.

Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,

Carlos

[BryanC]

My car does this as well. I've always thought it was some sort of weird feature--or possibly a bug?

[914GT]

Carlos. Welcome to the world of 914s. The first 'problem' you have is normal. It's the European parking light feature. The second one is a new one though. I'll look at the circuit diagram to see what could cause that, but maybe someone else will jump in here with an answer.

[SGB]

the european parking light should be on the same side as the switch position....
I think the grounds are bad on your back lights.

[mike95125]

Mine does the same, but I have not the time to fix it yet. When I do I will post my findings...but dont hold your breath.

[karaoke_carlos]

OK, so I get the parking light thing. Don't like it, but I get it. Now... what can cause the tail/emergency lights to be so QUIRKY?

C.

[philinjax]

Carlos,

The first problem you mention is partly a fault. When the left turn signal switch is selected with the ignition off, the LEFT front and rear parking lights should go on steady. The way to correct this problem is to reconnect your tail light connections as indicated in the enclosed diagram. Doing this will likely fix other wiring problems as well. The diagram refers to 1971 cars but I think it is the same for all 914s.

Your problem with alternating emergency flashers: Are you saying that the indicator lights on the tach alternate or the left and right outside flasher lamps alternate? I have an ideal that this problem might also be corrected by reconnecting your rear tail light terminals as shown in my diagram.

Phil

[philinjax]

Oops! Here is the diagram:

Phil



[DD--edited to correct the image tag]

[philinjax]

You might want to check out the front corner connections too.

Phil

[mike95125]

Do the side lights have any effect on the total system? How about the gauge lights wiring?

[philinjax]

Yes, the side lights can have a significant affect on various light gremlins.

The gauge lights connections may be at fault too but, I think first things first, tail and front corner lamp connections frequently get installed wrong after having been disconnected for some purpose. It is most important to make sure these connections are corrected first. Then we can worry about inside connections.

Phil

[karaoke_carlos]

WOW!!!

Phil, you have outdone yourself. In tracing some of these issues, I've noticed a little more:

First, I'm guessing I have a bad ground wire somewhere, as three of my "parking" lights are very faint when I turn the lights on. The fourth one is very bright, because I just rewired it due to a cut in the wiring.

Second, with the ignition on, I turn on the turn signals, and they work well. However, if I do this, with the (parking/head) lights on, then they start alternating. For example, with the lights on, the left turn markers flash together, front and back. When the left side is in the "off" cycle. the right TAIL light flashes.

Sorta like this:

Left turn: LF & LR together, and RR alternating
Right turn: RF & RR together, and LR alternating.

It's kind of a cool effect, but I don't think DMV will buy it. I will double-check my connections either tonight, since you've provided such an AWESOME diagram.

I will keep you posted.

Carlos

[philinjax]

Carlos,

Yes, first reconnect all four corner light assemblies and this will likely fix
some, if not all, of the gremlins. After that, let us know what's happening.

Phil

[DJsRepS]

I found kind of a factory defect at the drivers side rear trunk lid hinge the rear tail light harness passes under it there and laying on the lid working in the motor had worn through the paint and wires. Have a pic. Just spiral wraped and slight reroute fixed mine.

[karaoke_carlos]

Thanks, Something else I will be checking this weekend. Thanks for your accurate description. It makes us "underexposed folks" more comfortable working on our 914's.

[karaoke_carlos]

OK... process of elimination...

The turn signals are working fine as long as the (head/marker) lights are not on.

LF side marker is not present. Wiring for it is missing.

RF side marker is not connected but wiring is present.

Confirmed all connections, according to the drawings you sent to me earlier.

I'm starting to believe something is not connected properly at one of the relays.

Thoughts/suggestions?

Carlos

[DJsRepS]

Try all new fuses and clean the fuse holder with dremil wire wheel then check for tension firm grip on the new fuse. As Process of elimination?

[karaoke_carlos]

I have already replaced all the fuses and even replaced the fuse box.

[DJsRepS]

There are alot of grounds to look at by the fuse box and by each light and by the relay box I had some greenish copper wires there

[karaoke_carlos]

Is it safe to assume greenish copper = rusted = bad connection?

Originally posted by DJsRepS
There are alot of grounds to look at by the fuse box and by each light and by the relay box I had some greenish copper wires there