Ignition Switch Not Turning Correctly

[ralegen]

DaG nabit! As of yesterday, my ignition switch doesn't allow me to turn it correctly. In other words, I can feel like the spring is misplaced or something. The turning of the key isn't smooth anymore; it's like i have to push in with some force, wiggle it, and then turn it slowly. (err.. wiggle isn't the most appropriate word, but it'll probably get to that point). And to top if off, my lights do not turn on with the engine running!. Actually, I found out that after starting the car, I had to turn the key counter-clockwise just a little bit (about 1cm) until I felt a slight click. Now the lights turn on fine.

Does this mean that I have to buy a new ignition switch with new key???? I'm thinking of opening up, but I have noooo idea where to start!.. PLEASE HELP! BRUCE LEE, Randelneighbor, toolpants, Happy motoring Jim, . anyone please help!

LOL these are the members who I can always recall when coming to this forum! Thanks everyone!

[Tool Pants]

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=493&st=0&#entry1941

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1866

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1313

[RandallNeighbour]

Frustrating situation, isn't it?

Had the same exact problem 2 weeks before my driving vacation. Thank God it happened then and not during the trip!

The part you need is cheap $17. Dealers might tell you the whole assembly (less your lock cyllinder) needs replacing for big bucks, but it's a cheap fix.

Toolpant educated me on this last year. Jeff, you still rock!

[Brucelee]

This is a weak point on both the Box and 996.

[ralegen]

1st Class treatment, I love it. Thanks very much guys. I'll look into fixing it, and keep everyone posted.

And yes, it is very frustrating, and my girl is scared to take the porsche out with me now. Rather, she's not the most confident in reliability, but I assured her that these are only "small" problems. I nearly sh** my pants when I couldn't turn on my lights at 1130pm 20 miles away from home. Good thing I figured it out in a few seconds.

[ralegen]

Well, I went to the dealer, and they undoubtably wanted to sell the me the entire thing. I believe that they no longer sell the individual part any more; rather they have to charge for the whole thing. He estimated $165 for the part alone.

I then researched the part number on ebay, and found the part for $30 with shipping. part # 4A0 905 849 B.

We'll see what happens when I receive the part. Thanks everyone!

[Patto]

Just wondering how you went with this? I have the exact same problem with my 01 S.
Cheers
Patto