Cluster lights click on an off with key out

[Jonnywachter]

Ok I have no idea what's going on when I take me key out of the ignition my dash lights stay on, just the check engine and other lights like I have the key in the first position. The car will randomly shut off completely and then turn back on. I have tried researching this but I can't find any info. Please help.

[e30vert]

Ignition cylinder wear is what I suspect.

Find a buddy willing to let you extract his working ignition with keys. Pull yours. Connect his electrically and test. Then if problem goes away. Boom ! Done! Then source one on eBay from a part out or by posting a Want To Buy ad in the For Sale section here.

Hit up the Local So Cal Forum down below in the forum links to see if any other e30 owners are willing to let you test with their ignition cylinders.

Here is the link http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...3525&page=4035

[Jonnywachter]

Are you talking about the barrel that the key goes into or the red apparatus that's on the other side of the ignition? I switched out the key tumbler with another one I just picked up, not sure if it's any good tho. And it still did the same thing. I was going to try to replace the other part and see if that worked. I was thinking the same thing.

[Jonnywachter]

I don't think it's the ignition or the piece behind it, no matter what I do the lights stay on, but it's not like they are completely on, just dim. It's weird and frustrating.

[jlevie]

That is probably the switch section of the ignition switch assembly.

[Jonnywachter]

ok so even when I unplug the ignition switch assembly and have the tumbler out the problem is still there, my boss suggested it might be a relay stuck on. what relays should i start looking at?

Also, id like to add that my 325i has a 318 ignition relay, could this be causing the problem

[jlevie]

If the lights stay on with the ignition switch disconnected (under the steering column) there is a problem somewhere in the car that is feeding power into the Hot in Run and Start circuit. If the car has any aftermarket electronics that would be the first suspect.

[Jonnywachter]

That's exactly what I thought, the only aftermarket thing is a headunit, all that wiring seems to be fine considering the car drove with it for at least 2weeks perfectly fine( I don't know how long it has been installed). On another note the guy I bought it from did a 5speed swap on it, all the wiring looks sano and the whole swap looks visibly sano and done correct.

[jlevie]

The head unit would be my first suspect. Remove it, undo any wiring changes, and see if the problem is still present.