Ignition Switch problems

[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.

[fullthrottle52]

Thanks to all.

As a new user I really feel stupid, Overdrive was right. I locked the steering wheel and that is why the key would not turn. I have 2 other cars and both do not have locking wheels. Plus you don't put your hand on the wheel when you start the Porsche because of the key being on the left.

My Bad.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by fullthrottle52

Thanks to all.

As a new user I really feel stupid, Overdrive was right. I locked the steering wheel and that is why the key would not turn. I have 2 other cars and both do not have locking wheels. Plus you don't put your hand on the wheel when you start the Porsche because of the key being on the left.

My Bad.

I bet your other cars have it too. It's been an anti-theft feature in cars for over 30 years that I know of. I'm always surprised to find when people don't know about the lock since it's so easy to get it to lock once the ignition is turned off.

[J's boxster]

After getting my coolant system replaced...I joined another popular club for boxster owners.... The "bend over" 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

[elav]

I know this is an old thread but I need to change my ignition switch. I've already bought the new version (the entire ignition assembly). Is this such a pain to replace the entire assembly that I should consider buying 4A0-905-849-B-M56 from our host and only replace the electrical part?

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by elav

I know this is an old thread but I need to change my ignition switch. I've already bought the new version (the entire ignition assembly). Is this such a pain to replace the entire assembly that I should consider buying 4A0-905-849-B-M56 from our host and only replace the electrical part?

Yes. Follow the advice of Post #2.

[elav]

Thanks for the advice of this board but seeing as I already had the new ignition assembly, I decided to replace the entire ignition assembly. You have to remove the headlight switch, side panel, tumbler and instrument cluster (which is some work) but once you do that - it is a pretty straightforward effort. Took a couple of hours.