924Board.org

78yellowbird · Joined: 07 Jan 2004 Posts: 4 Location: Spokane WA,US

Hey all~
Have a little problem with my 78 n/a 924.
When the key is in the On position I have spark (i'll explain in a minute) When the key is in run, I have no spark.

So I turn the engine over (no spark) but for the instant when the engine is still rotating and I let the key off to the on position (spark capable) I typically get one little zap but the engine is turning slow enough and with only enough time for one cylinder to fire it wont keep running.
Typically after a small shot of starting fluid and 10 minutes of attempting to get the engine running, The cylinder temperature is high enough to aid in combustion and for that small instant when it does spark I can get the engine running.

can anyone help me out? the ignition switch is new but i'm not sure where to start troubleshooting to find my problem. 70% of all the electrical items are unplugged so that I can get the necessities of this car going.

mike
*confused with electrical nightmares

Lizard · Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2004 4:27 am Post subject:

very easy

there is a jumper wire which comes off of one of the terminals of the starter which is a booster wire, this wire supplies power to the + side of the coil when in the start position.
_________________
3 928s,

Diesel · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 1061 Location: Ellington,CT

Sounds like a bad ballast resistor located on the firewall at the center of the car.
_________________
Dan Flanagan--2002 VW Jetta TDI, 83 Mercedes 300D,83 Mercedes Euro-240D

Sleykin · Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2004 5:06 am Post subject:

Bad ballast resister would give the opposite problem.
_________________
Glenn Neff
Medford, OR
87' 924S

78yellowbird · Joined: 07 Jan 2004 Posts: 4 Location: Spokane WA,US

thanks for the info! I'll get on it as soon as I can.
good to know about the ballast resister as well!

Thanks again
Mike