Ignition Switch problems

[JFP in PA]

Yes, buy the $10 switch from ********************************e AZ and replace it yourself in about 30 min. Do a search, covered many times..........

[IMG]http://www.********************************************************************************************/images/product_images/images/WORLDPAC/W01331621815MEY.JPG[/IMG]

[deliriousga]

Just do the switch like JFP says. I replaced ours in less than an hour. It's a simple thing to do and it has been working fine for over 5 years now.

The dealer has to replace everything because they use an updated switch that does not work with the original system. If the dealer does it you may never have to replace the switch again, but at $10 a pop it will be pretty hard to reach the cost of the dealer over time.

[Overdrive]

Just something I thought I'd mention, and in no way meant to insult your intelligence, but I just wondered if you tried turning the wheel slightly during your attempts to see if it was just that the steering was locked? I know that I sometimes end up locking the steering if I use the wheel as a brace while stepping out of the vehicle, and if I forget that I did so unintentionally, I'll come back to the car and wonder for a few seconds why I can't turn the key. While your ignition switch probably could use a replacement just because, it'd be a few bucks saved if you find that the issue was something as simple as this.

[thstone]

For clarification, the switch has two fuctions, one is mechanical and one is electrical.

Typically, if you're experiencing weird electrical problems, then all you need to replace is the electrical portion of the switch (as shown in the previous posts). However, if you're having problems physically turning the switch, the entire "gun" assy may need to be replaced.

Ignore the dealer and start with replacing the electrical portion yourself since its easy and cheap. If that doesn't solve the problem then you may to replace the entire switch mechnical assy. You could still do this yourself and save the dealer labor but its a little more complicated than the electrical-only fix.

[calvani]

Hi Folks....I was having problems over the last week with my ignition as well...

Trouble getting the key in and out of the system (getting more difficult each time) and finally the engine would not even start, and all the lights in the display would flicker/light-up etc....

I just exchanged the ignition electrical switch (for 35$) and everything is back in perfect working order. Beware if you are told that the entire ignition (mechanical + electrical assembly) systems needs to be replaced. Given the small expense and level of effort in changing the part, there's absolutely no need to change the entire unit (and there's still potentially plenty of life remaining on the mechanical counterpart of the unit).

I simply followed Pedro's DIY procedure and it worked like a charm (thanks, Pedro!!):

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

Cheers,

Humberto-

997-Boxster, Gemballa Competition Corsa Wheels, Gemballa air intake scoops, Mulsanne bumper

[SoCalKen]

Originally Posted by thstone

For clarification, the switch has two fuctions, one is mechanical and one is electrical.

Typically, if you're experiencing weird electrical problems, then all you need to replace is the electrical portion of the switch (as shown in the previous posts). However, if you're having problems physically turning the switch, the entire "gun" assy may need to be replaced.

Ignore the dealer and start with replacing the electrical portion yourself since its easy and cheap. If that doesn't solve the problem then you may to replace the entire switch mechnical assy. You could still do this yourself and save the dealer labor but its a little more complicated than the electrical-only fix.

If you are having trouble turning the switch it also could be only the little electrical portion also. sounds wierd but so. When my ignition switch went bad the turning of the switch was a problem and it didn't make sense that the part I was replacing could be the problem but it was.
Ken

[ocoeeboxster]

Mine turns over but doesn't release causing interference with head light coming on and wipers so i manauly give it a quarter turn back after starting and all is well.

Do you think I'll have to replace electrical and mechanical?what kind of cost?

[tonycarreon]

i guess this is the year of the ignition switch. just got home from a drive to dallas and my switch is going crazy. yesterday i took the key out (after quite a bit of coaxing) and the car thought it was still in.

guess ill be joining the "on my back" club.

[timlawton]

Originally Posted by ocoeeboxster

Mine turns over but doesn't release causing interference with head light coming on and wipers so i manauly give it a quarter turn back after starting and all is well.

Do you think I'll have to replace electrical and mechanical?what kind of cost?

ocoee,
I'm having just about the exact same problem...(2004 Box S)
Except none of the remote functions like trunk, frunk, and doors will not lock or unlock. This all started when the key got stuck...in the ignition. So I put a new battery in the key, and a new battery in the car since it was getting lazy....
Still no luck...So I bit the Bullet with the Porsche Dealer (Mobile Al.) and paid a $k and change for the whole ball of wax...My indy tells me that the ignition switch and the electrical functions are two separate things. The new stuff from Germany will be here next week. My indy is trying to get me in at the end of next week....

Tim