Ignition switch failures???
 

After a long winter's rest my Boxster is finally back in service. However, each time I try to use it I'm having a NO START issue as the ignition switch randomly does not kick over the starter. If I try the switch 10-20 times while moving the clutch down and up and jiggling the steering wheel and the key it finally desides to work and turns the starter motor. I have not spent too much time with it yet, as after 9 mo of not driving it I rather drive than fiddle with it at the moment!!! But it's getting ready to abandon me somewhere on a rainy day, so I'd better find out what's wrong soon.

I know that ignition switches are a big problem for these models, so I'm wondering what the usual failure symptoms are before ordering a switch.

I had a similar problem. My ignition switch would not let the engine turn over. It also caused my battery to wear down.

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What part cured it???

Try to isolate potential culprits..
Disconnect clutch switch and jumper the two wires together. If no improvement, reconnect the clutch switch and replace your ignition switch ($15).

Also look at battery cable connect

Easiest things to eliminate and most often the cause of the problems before moving on.

If it is the ignition switch, look for one not made in China. My original switch lasted 13 years. I was in a hurry and picked up a Chinese one from NAPA. It lasted 6 months before failing. My Indy specialist told me the Chinese ones are made of different plastic that doesn't last very long.

Thanks dghii..... Good logic. Is this clutch switch under the dash or under the car???

It's on the pedal cluster under the dash

I suspect the clutch switch as well. I had this exact same problem on the first morning of a track event! Clipped the wires and twisted them together. Never looked back!

Grrr - Audi !
Who needs a clutch pedal interlock/NSS ? For decades we all did just fine without this potential no-start failure point.On stick shifts

Further testing
 

OP here....
Today I was preparing to do some of the suggested diagnostics and I noticed that the engine would turnover if I depressed the clutch pedal into the carpet!!! The clutch interlock disengages on the last 1/2" of pedal travel.

But why haven't I ever noticed this in 10 yrs of Boxster ownership??? Well, I am just healing a serious foot problem that had me in a cast-like boot for 6 mo. My foot muscles and associated parts are weakened and recovering now. Perhaps I was not holding the clutch pedal all the way down????

I can't find a spec of this switch's operating zone... Would one of you guys check your car for me and report here if the pedal has to be pushed down the last 1/2" to allow you to start?? Perhaps I don't have a problem at all......but I sure would hate to have the car leave me miles from home when I can hardly walk at this time.....

Thanks.

My 98 behaves in exactly the same way. Have to push pedal to it's last few mm of travel.

I hate to admit it but is appears (so far) like I'm the one that needs repair, rather than the ignition switch. I'm 2 weeks out of the cast and I didn't realize that I lacked so much strength with the ball of my foot.
Thanks to all that contributed solutions and ideas.

I've had that happen when my seat is slightly further back than normal. Freaked me out the first time.

I replaced the electrical portion of the ignition switch and the pedal switches as I couldn't tell where the problem was, but that cured it. I bought a 997 ignition and will replace the whole thing as it went again two years later and exhibited the same symptoms. BTW I used the more expensive vw switch.

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My 03 also has to be to the floor to engage.

Same w/my 04.

If you own a 986
 

Just go ahead and replace the ignition and headlight switch and save your self some grief

The good thing is if you own a 986 for a while, you'll get good at changing out the ignition switch...

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