Ignition switch problem

[Wizzie]

Guys just bought my first Boxster today drove it home and went to start it again and it was stone dead. All the electrical accessories worked fine but it didnt even crank. I read that these switches were a common fail but would the problem be interminent ? I charged the battery and so far so good but I'm afraid to shut it off anywhere but home. I intend on replacing the switch next weekend.

[jdraupp]

How old is the battery and what's the voltage on a multimeter. Could be the ignition switch but it could also be the battery. Searching the forum will yield a lot of information on this topic.

[Ian c]

If it does turn out to be the switch (which I'd change anyway) It's a vw part , so check prices from vw dealers before you buy elsewhere .....
It's a common fault so they'll probably have one in stock , or if not vwna will have them in the warehouse for 3day delivery .
A bit fiddly but an easy job , but it helps if you're Harry Houdini

[Wizzie]

Originally Posted by jdraupp

How old is the battery and what's the voltage on a multimeter. Could be the ignition switch but it could also be the battery. Searching the forum will yield a lot of information on this topic.

Don't know its age it's an ac delco which I may just replace anyway. Running its putting out 13.99 volts

[Ian c]

That's what your alternator is putting out .

What does it give you after the engine has been off for an hour ?

[Wizzie]

Don't know I will check that tomorrow & post the results. I checked it running to rule out the alternator.

[Ian c]

Good luck with it .
Probably just the porsche's way of saying hello to its new keeper by leaving interior light on or something .....

[Wizzie]

Originally Posted by Ian c

Good luck with it .
Probably just the porsche's way of saying hello to its new keeper by leaving interior light on or something .....

Thanks it has a few quirks and needs a few things but for an 18 yr old car I am very happy I finally own one.

[Ian c]

Originally Posted by Wizzie

Thanks it has a few quirks and needs a few things but for an 18 yr old car I am very happy I finally own one.

Yeah , congratulations !!!

They really are great little cars .

True porsche guys like them .
True car guys like them .
Anybody else's opinion of them I couldn't care less about

[DWBOX2000]

You pushed the clutch to the floor? When I first got mine it scared the heck of of me a few times.

[dghii]

Originally Posted by DWBOX2000

You pushed the clutch to the floor? When I first got mine it scared the heck of of me a few times.

Excellent post!

Its easy for your driver side mat to get bunched up under the pedals and not allow the clutch switch to engage.

[Pdwight]

Take it out...10 minutes max, take it to a Autozone, Oriley's etc....have them load test it...only to really trell.

[Ian c]

Originally Posted by Pdwight

Take it out...10 minutes max, take it to a Autozone, Oriley's etc....have them load test it...only to really trell.

Not true .

[Pdwight]

Im talking about the battery, not the switch.

Load testing places a high current drain across the output of the battery while monitoring what voltage it can maintain at a high load....if you have a dead cell this will show it. He already stated his dwell voltage to be over 13V so he does not have an open or shunted cell

[Gelbster]

The old carbon pile load tester is O.K. but there are more sophisticated electronic testers that show "State of Charge" and other condition issues.For example :
Amazon.com: CTEK (56-925) 12 Volt Battery Analyzer: Automotive

[Wizzie]

Originally Posted by Ian c

That's what your alternator is putting out .

What does it give you after the engine has been off for an hour ?

Sitting for an hour reads 12.79V

[Pdwight]

Originally Posted by Gelbster

The old carbon pile load tester is O.K. but there are more sophisticated electronic testers that show "State of Charge" and other condition issues.For example :
Amazon.com: CTEK (56-925) 12 Volt Battery Analyzer: Automotive

But not for free, why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free...this is a quick easy test and it will tell you if your battery is at the end of it's life

[Ian c]

Originally Posted by Wizzie

Sitting for an hour reads 12.79V

So on the surface you don't have a problem .
Battery is good and alternator is charging .

Next test would be a draw whilst standing idle , but if you're going out enjoying the new car , you probably won't experience much sitting idle