Ignition Switch Removal - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

ryuujin · 01-25-2010, 10:30 PM

My 2001 Boxster has developed a 'sticky and stiff" ignition switch - the ignition key is hard to turn. Can anybody tell me how to remove the ignition switch so I can take it out and give it a spray / clean out. I think a clean and a spray of lock lube will fix it.

Lil bastard · 01-26-2010, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryuujin

My 2001 Boxster has developed a 'sticky and stiff" ignition switch - the ignition key is hard to turn... I think a clean and a spray of lock lube will fix it.

Not likely, at least not for long. The starter switch (electrical portion of ignition switch) is notorious for failure and starts exactly as you describe.

Replacement switch is cheap - Audi, Mayle generic = same-same as OEM Porsche. Cost - $20USD (more if OEM).

The procedure takes about 15 min. Remove Heater tube, remove 'locking' paint from small straight screws. Pull electrical connector, unscrew starter switch. Replace switch and tighten screws, replace connector, replace heater tube - done.

Cheers!

EJ_2001_986_S · 01-26-2010, 05:32 AM

I've replaced my electrical portion of the switch twice now since I've owned the car and I still get a sticky start to crank. The body shop had the car a few weeks ago and they even called to see if I left the right key. But if you just give it a little more and turn it'll crank. I know they released the new lock mechanism, is that what it would take to fix the sticky key issue?

ryuujin · 01-27-2010, 11:58 PM

Thanks for the advice - guess I will change the electrical part as suggested.

ARModen · 01-28-2010, 07:02 AM

Here's Pedro's walk through with pictures. I'm planning on doing this tonight if Fedex comes through! And the switch was $11 at pelican parts I think.

http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site_3/Replace_Ignition_Switch.html

ryuujin · 01-30-2010, 10:46 PM

GREAT! Many thanks to ARModen. That makes things a whole easier. I now have the confidence to tackle this job. I know its only a simple repalcement but the thought of 'mucking around' with my prize possession was a little daunting - but now, it;s no trouble at all. I'm constanly amazed at the level of assistance and advice that is freely given and shared on this forum - lets keep it up!

thanks to all

ARModen · 01-31-2010, 09:00 AM

One thing, make sure you have a very short screw driver. I did this job the other day and the hardest part definitely was the set screws on the sides of the switch. Also the audi part from Pelican may not be a 1 for 1 swap.

Spinnaker · 01-31-2010, 04:17 PM

Got my new switch and will install sometime when I get around to it. Can anyone tell me how long the screwdriver needs to be? I don't want to cut it too short. To lazy to rip the car apart to find out. I park outside under a car cover and it is cold and wet here.

timothy · 01-31-2010, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spinnaker

Can anyone tell me how long the screwdriver needs to be?

Check my post from two years ago!
DIY ignition switch screwdriver

cribfiller · 02-09-2010, 04:51 PM

I did mine this summer on an 02 base and followed Pedro's instructions. the small screw driver should be about 3" or so, that's what mine was and it took me about 45 minutes, but I went slow and checked instructions many times. Now that I've done it, I could do it in about 20 minutes. It's nice when we share. Good luck.