Boxster electrical issue

[mathijs]

Got a weird issue with my 2004 Boxster. After changing the battery the display with the total kilometre and day counter remains on when I take the key out. Whacked the lock to make sure it is not stuck, let the car sit without battery for a few hours, but nothing worked.

Anybody any suggestions?

[Stl-986]

rock the steering wheel back & forth. Bet the lock isn't engaging

[FoFoJoe]

Can you hear a "click" or light "thunk" from the ignition when you remove the key? On cold days when I remove my key the cylinder will take a minute to disengage and it will leave the electronics on for a bit. I just replaced the ignition plug so we'll see if that helps.

[mathijs]

So we are all pretty sure it is the cylinder?

[Rob175]

YEP....that's the reason why I always leave my radio "ON". When I shut down the engine and pull the key out, it takes another 5-6 seconds for the radio to shut off.....when it does, I know for sure the electrical system is really "OFF".

Every year I soak a few pipe cleaners with lock lubricant and feed it into the lock...move them around and when I pull them out they're usually pretty "dirty". As far as I know my tumbler and switch are original (24 years old) but still works and I'm trying to avoid the PITA replacement procedure as long as I can. Sometimes I hear the "clunk" sound of the steering wheel locking but most of the time there is no "clunk" but the wheel still locks 95% of the time...... I think I need to probably replace the switch (I have the part) but I'm just procrastinating because it's a PITA job..... and for now the rest of the ignition/key/tumbler works OK. Seems to work better the hotter the weather gets...lol

Wish there was another Forum member living close by (Northshore burbs of Chicago) who's successfully replaced the switch and can "look over my shoulder and supervise" me. My luck I'll mess something up and the car won't start then have the car towed in somewhere to fix it.....yuck!