1997 Q45 power stays on when ignition is off

[drjazzman]

Ok here is the problem I have a 1997 Q45 strange things have been going on with the dashboard of this car over the last few months. First the speedo started just dropping to nothing while I was driving (replaced the speed sensor on the trans no help) then the temp gauge started jumping up and down still doing it. Last night I parked the car and went to pay the parking meter and when I got back the head lights were still on (they should have turned off). I noticed the clock was still on in the car the ignition was off the cigerette lighter was also on (I had a radar detector connected) . Has anybody had this problem before. I love this car it has over 340,000 miles and still rides great.

[txQ45]

May not be connected but when the Fuel Pump controller starts to go out sometimes it will cause the engine to stay running after the key is turned off

[Lokim]

I would suspect the ignition switch or the BCM.

[BadQ45t]

340k, wow, I was freaking cause I am going to hit 95k soon. Something with you ignition switch is almost for sure going on there.

[drjazzman]

Talked to my dealer. The service manager told me that it is probally the ignition switch now I gotta figure out how to get the thing out. Anybody ever take one of these things out?? I think that it is gonna be sort of tuff because of where it is located. any help would be greatly appreciated.

[drjazzman]

I got the switch out no big deal had to pull the lower trim plate got under there found the switch got it out and replaced withing a half hour but the dang thing still stays on! Now on to relays I sometimes hear one Click any suggestions? Battery is constantly draining had to jump it after two days of no driving. It is way too cold to be working on this thing out side.

[BadQ45t]

At some point you might have to take this to a pro..........BTW, give us some details on the 340k. Original motor/transmission???? How does it drive at that mileage?

If I were at this point I'd find a good Japanese car mechanic, seems like your dealing with some serious gremlins.

[drjazzman]

Think I got it the problem was the BCM changed that and everything seems ok however the radio is not working right now. hummm at least the battery is not draining. In response to the question on the 340K I developed a valve tick at 325K at that point I replaced the engine. I found one with 112K for $200.00 in Michigan went and got it and installed it. It was quite a job pulling the engine it was really packed tight. I really had not planned on the engine swap as I had just a few months before replaced my valve cover gaskets and the knock sensors. The transmission is holding strong; the body is very nice a little surface rust on the rear quarters and a little on the front fenders both on the seam where the bumper covers attach (keep these areas clean). I have replaced the rear struts and need to replace the front I will do that this summer. The ride is still smooth as silk but there is a little noise coming from the front struts on hard bumps.
These miles were highway miles as this is not a city car I take it to the city but not much stop and go mostly highway. Currently I am experiencing some electrical problems; I love the car and do not plan on retiring it just yet, maybe at 500K.