Dash lite/ odo problems 89

[armandodiaz]

I am contemplating purchasing an 89 S4. So the only issue I see is in the dash.

It seems all the gauges work but all the warning lights are on, including the ones at the end of the gauges.

Also the digital odometer is completely dark.

The owner has said its only a ground cleanup and I know this is a common problem, but I as know I shouldn't take the seller's word.

Does anyone have any ideas? Could this be just one proplem or a multitude of problems?

Thanks.

[aluminum]

Tip : make a offer with the issues fixed before any payment >
a refundable deposit ( written and signed ) of perhaps $100 would be in order .

[Normy]

There is a fuse for the instrument lights. Turn the lights on and look for a light in the ashtray. If there ISN'T a light there, then it is likely just the fuse.

Good luck!

N

[Danglerb]

Have a PPI done by someone expert in the 928 before you make an offer.

This dash issue doesn't sound familiar to me.

[armandodiaz]

Just an update on this thread:

I spoke with the shop that maintains the 928. Some info the owner "conveniently" left out. Seems he blew the original motor and found a replacement. During the install the tech said the harness must have shifted and the wiring coverings may have frailed off, causing a short circuit. When he turned the key on, he heard something arc. He thinks the central warning computer is fried. But that's just his initial thoughts, the owner never brought the car back to repair.

[harborman]

Take a pass on this one!

[armandodiaz]

My thoughts exactly, now looking at an 87.

[harborman]

Originally Posted by armandodiaz

My thoughts exactly, now looking at an 87.

Good move. Take your time and find a better car. Get as much documentation as you can. I am sure you can find a better car than the one you looked at which seemed suspicious to me, i.e. motor replaced, dash lights not right, statement from mechanic....

Remember these cars are old so no matter what you find it will need some kind of work/maintenance. Just don't buy a big sink hole from the start!

[aluminum]

Like I said make a Offer "Fixed " then you know if it works >> Sounds like the shop messed up his car from your description

[armandodiaz]

Already moved past that car. Obviously the owner is not being up front with me, so what else is he not telling me?
Sad thing is, he has it listed on ebay and mentions nothing of the issues. I even asked him if there was anything wrong and told me everything works. Even while looking at the car, nothing was mentioned until I sat behind the wheel and started it (after he had already repeatedly started the car).
As for the engine he told me the engine was removed from the car for a reseal. Didn't mention anything about it being a second-hand engine.

This weekend, I'm going to look at an 87. That looks perfect and again the owner states is in perfect working order. We'll see this weekend.

Like Normy suggested, I'm am not in a hurry since my daily driver is my 951S. So I'm not suffering too much.