E36 ignition staying on Help!!

Post Sat Dec 08, 2007 9:42 am

As above....My wifes car (E36 318is Coupe) has had the ignition barrel replaced, so I thought that was the reason for the car staying active (mileage readout and the wipers work etc, when there is no key in the ignition). So I removed the steering cowling, disconnected all the multi-plugs to the ignition, and the lights were still on. Any ideas are welcome as I'm tired of jump starting this piece of crap!

Post Tue Dec 11, 2007 11:15 pm

Bump. Anyone???

Post Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:57 am

I know feck all about e36's but it may be a good idea to remove all the fuses and relays one by one and see which one, if any, make the ignition go off properly?
At least that way you'll have an idea which circuit is the problem.
More of a Brian Moore type question really but i'm not sure he will see it in this section.

Post Wed Dec 12, 2007 10:16 am

Hi Spadge, I'll try that. I don't know if it's to do with the ignition or the crappy alarm.

Post Wed Dec 12, 2007 10:20 am

lance1a wrote:Hi Spadge, I'll try that. I don't know if it's to do with the ignition or the crappy alarm.

My money is on a duff relay or the 'crappy alarm' or both mate

Post Sun Dec 16, 2007 8:55 pm

usually the ignition block at the end of the barrel. i've changed loads of these

Post Sun Dec 16, 2007 8:56 pm

stuartgallafant wrote:usually the ignition block at the end of the barrel. i've changed loads of these

As Stuart said,very common on 36`s!

Post Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:05 pm

I've tried to get the barrel out (with a small thin allen key) but though it goes in the barrel won't come out. But oddly enough, when I disconnected All the multiplugs from the back of the ignition, the mileage readout stays on!
The previous owner did say he replaced the barrel at some stage and it has two keys (one door and one ignition).
Cheers for the help.