DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

I have just finished a 2 year restoration of a 3.2 Carrera and very nice it is too.

However, as is the same with all restorations the odd issue crops up. Today on its first test drive the car suddenly stopped. No ignition, no lights no pump, no nothing.

After a quick push along the road the ignition light popped on for no apparent reason and the journey home was continued.

I think this could be an ignition switch issue due to the cut in power and no lights. I say no lights but it was my passenger who said there were no lights but I really need to check everything before jumping to any conclusion.

Could I ask where is the least expensive place to buy a new ignition switch.

BTW prior to that it was fantastic!!!!!

I'd suspect a poor earth or loose battery connection first.
The multimeter is your friend if you can duplicate the fault.
Ignition switches are not cheap!

Mick

The wiring loom goes from the ignition switch to a multi-pin socket under the end of the dash - check that the plug is fully pushed into the socket.

If not making 'proper' contact it can give the symptoms you describe.

Thanks for that and so quick

I will get under the dash tomorrow and check the connector. Re the battery I will also re check the connection.

Don't forget the old culprit the DME relay (under passenger seat) - this is notorious for giving problems esp intermittent ones. This is to do with dry solder joints, heat, age etc. Never drive a 3.2 carrera without a spare DME relay!!

I have disconnected and reconnected the earths and they are both fine and well connected to good solid clean metal.

I have inspected the connection plug from the loom to the ign switch and can see no fault and wiggled it to see if any symptoms occur, none did.

I have also ordered a spare dme relay just to be on the safe side.

So I hope that has fixed that one.

as mentioned, such a cut in power (i.e all power) would normally be battery terminals or battery not charging. You didnt mention if you checked if your battery terminals are tight, and the main battery earth (neg) cable is tight on the chassis on the other end. Also the pos cable tight at the starter motor post. You got 14v(ish) at the battery with the engine running?

Rare one but worth also checking the battery poles themselves - had this with a hire car once m, one of the battery poles was loose within the battery body, might be worth a wiggle too with the car idling

I have today removed the negative battery terminal from the body and using my dremel type tool have cleaned up the stud with the brass plate which forms the earth connection to the body.

There are 3 supplementary earths connected to the same stud and each of them had a good dremmelling and are now bright and shiny. As is the copper nut that secures all to the stud.

It was very satisfying, and so shiny.

There is no sign of the fault and another test run was completed without fault.

I did check the terminals on the battery as I too have had the same problem in the past and can report no fault found.

I will continue with my post restoration test drives......as soon as the rain stops.

Thanks very much for your ideas and guidance, most appreciated.