Need key/ignition help

[IMACMAN]

Hi all, thanks for thanks for taking the time to have a look at this, I've searched and can't seem to find a solution. Here's what happened..... I had my car at the detailer for a few days... when I went to pick it up today... they told me, they couldn't get the key out of the Ignition?... I got in and sure enough it was stuck....then we discovered that the car wouldn't start...battery was flat... ( I'm pretty sure they were listening to the radio for a few hours, and flattened it. ) The battery is new and the alternator is as well.... they put it on a charger for about 10 mins, and it started no problem. There were a few quirks at first... Windows would't roll up.... headlights wouldn't come on with out jiggling the key in the ignition..... and heater blower wouldn't come on. I'm thinking those issues were due to the low charge in the battery. The car starts & runs fine ...but I can not get the key out of the ignition ( I only have one key ).... The car is in the driveway with the key still in it, and the dash display led's lit... this may run down the battery again. I'm thinking this might be a security /alarm feature maybe? Here are a few things to Note in trying to figure this out..... the Battery & Alt. are fine..... The battery in my Key is fine... when I press the unlock/lock on the key the red led lights up on the key & on the upper dash, so they appear to be in sync..... the steering is not locked, so moving it back and forth is no problem... but does not help loosen the key. I've read that on newer models there is a small onboard tool in the fuse box, that manually releases a stuck key, when you remove a peice of plastic around the ignition key hole. Mine is a 99 Boxster, and does not have this tool or removable plastic slot...BUT it does seem to have a small hole that a paper clip might fit through. If it is an alarm feature... there must bee a sequence that one goes through... press this twicw, while holding that and doing this...etc.... any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Imacman
St.John's Newfoundland

Land of the Fall World TARGA race

[Ian c]

Ignition switch .
Audi dealers , 40 bucks .
An awkward position yet relatively easy ...

I'll be back with a part number

[thom4782]

Others probably can provide more detail.

Long ago the key stuck in the ignition in my 01S. Something in the mechanism broke even though I could turn the key back and forth and run the car.

I don't recall exactly how the independent solved it, but the shop essentially replaced the cylinder in the ignition lock mechanism. Overall, it was a pretty cheap repair. It has worked fine ever since.

BTW: I'll bet you've tried jiggling the key back and forth to see of the lock cylinder will release it. If not, give it a try and at least the interior lights will turn off if the jiggling works.

[Ian c]

4A0 905 849

41 bucks plus ca sales tax .
Commonwealth Audi in Santa Ana .
They ave one left in stock , best bet is to call first , then order online to get the discount

[kjc2050]

I bought the replacement VW/Audi switch off eBay for $11.

See my post, which includes a couple of tips and a description of my experience, here: http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/46411-ignition-switch-replacement-holy-crap.html Read all the way to post 16.

I purchased my switch from an outfit called ANH Auto Parts, but they don't currently have any active auctions for this part number. Here's a link to one from another seller: New for Audi Porsche Volkswagen Ignition Switch | eBay

Here's the article on this topic from Pelican: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/86-ELEC-Ignition_Switch/86-ELEC-Ignition_Switch.htm I believe there's also an article on the topic at Pedro's Garage.

Good luck!!!

[Ian c]

Originally Posted by kjc2050

Here's a link to one from another seller: New for Audi Porsche Volkswagen Ignition Switch | eBay

Good luck!!!

Also read the sticky on that seller ......


Did you ever try napa Kjc ?
I heard they had a replacement part a lot cheaper than the genuine Audi one .
I never tried as it was a spare of the moment thing ( ordered Friday night , collected Saturday morning)

[kjc2050]

Ian,

I never did. I began to suspect my switch was starting to go, so I ordered one well in advance.

[Ian c]

I could have probably lived with it for another week or so , but the aim of this project was to get a "neglected" boxster looking and driving awesome in as little time as possible and I had time on the ramp booked for the Saturday when porsche tod me on Friday after work that they only had one wheel bearing in stock
It was a quick and easy thing to go collect it to pad out some workshop time .

I'm glad I did it though , the ammount of small electrical problems that got instantly cured with that ignition switch probably saved me hours messing around with my multimeter

[IMACMAN]

Hi All, thanks, for the responses.... Ok so when I get the Audi Switch part, and get under the dash to remove the old one... at what point / how do I get the stuck Key from the Ignition?

Thanks

Imacman

Paul

Newfoundland

[southernstar]

Paul, when my ignition switch went I was able to get the key out by jiggling it with some firmness. As I recall, it wasn't in the usual 'off' position when it came out. As to replacement, I didn't do the work myself (in part because of two herniated discs in my back), but ended up paying 1.4 hours for the labour at my indy.

Brad

[IMACMAN]

Thanks Brad, I just ordered the part ( overnight ) so it will be here tommorrow...not bad $19.00. I'm fairly handy so I will install it myself, based on the instructions I've found online....I'm puzzled as to how the 'Stuck" key will come out... I guess it will be an exploratory operation...lol or hopefully someone knows?

Cheers Paul
Newfoundland

[Kurt V]

Imacman, excellent description of what you have to do to R&R the switch!