Boxster 986 frost issues

[particlewave]

Sounds like your CLU/immobilizer is failing, possibly due to previous water damage (though, with the frost inside, you almost certainly have water intrusion right now).

Start by replacing the ignition switch. They are cheap (less than $20), so just replace it rather than messing with it. If the switch doesn't fix your issues, pull out the CLU, open it and inspect for corrosion or mineral deposits (especially on the connectors and pins).

I'm 95% sure this is going to be a damaged CLU.

[DaveBBOXSTER]

Thanks particlewave,
Yes you may be right that the CLU is at fault...although the CLU and all around it is very dry and I even put a fan heater into car interior this morning and dried the whole interior area and took it for a 10 mile drive to heat it all up it drives as great as ever. BUT the heated mirrors are on when the car is running and the wipers would stay on (regardless of the switch position) so had to leave 25 Amp fuse out.
BUT a new symptom was found in that the radio worked but cut off after say 10 minutes with 4 loud beeps (as if to warn me or say it was stopping - never ever had that before) Kept putting it on about four times to check this fault had not gone.

I am reluctant to change the ignition switch and confused about needing a new set of keys or even how to get it out. I don't understand how it could be faulty if the car starts and runs OK? But I would rather it be that than the CLU they are £600 new from Porsche in UK also I looked at second hand ones when the thing was flooded before and it needs to be set up with the keys at Porsche...

[78F350]

Originally Posted by DaveBBOXSTER

... I am reluctant to change the ignition switch and confused about needing a new set of keys or even how to get it out. I don't understand how it could be faulty if the car starts and runs OK?...

You don't have to do anything with the keys. The switch that goes bad is not the part the key goes in. It's the other end inside the dash. Review this article: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/86-ELEC-Ignition_Switch/86-ELEC-Ignition_Switch.htm
...and search the many write-ups that we have had on the forum for tips.

[barkinfool]

Symptoms sound like it is the ignition switch & not the ECU (which would be much more costly). Take your time & you'll be able to change the switch - it is definitely a common failure & something anybody can fix! Good luck & let us know if that solves the problem.

[DaveBBOXSTER]

Thanks for the last two replies - much appreciated. I did look up on here about the ignition switch and seems a good fix to try first as it is cheaper...
Will heed your advice and try that and report back.

[DaveBBOXSTER]

UPDATE - Took off ignition switch yesterday...Spent over an hour attempting to get at the two grub screws from under the dash with no success. It turns out the UK spec Boxster, being RH drive, has the screws in a position that they cannot be seen or felt from under the dash. Eventually took off the RH side vent cover (with the light switch below) and could at least see the grub screws from above, BUT they were coated in a red blob of something (Loctite or sealer) and the slots were hidden too...after gently scrapping it off I released them just enough to get switch out NEVER EVER TAKE THESE OUT FULLY NO NEED - Even working from above with one hand in vent hole of dash it took 15 minutes, as access is really tight!
Managed to break the plastic side air vent catch getting the vent cover out it caught or I was too careless. Did a bodge repair by drilling the flap where the little plastic ball should be and inserted a small screw plus spacer nut so it opens and shuts until I can get a new cover. I may leave it until it fails, as it's not visible.
Fitted new switch today (£15) and the wipers now work via the stick and the radio stays on BUT the heated mirrors stay on and cannot stop them via their switch or by taking the 5Amp fuse out! HOW CAN THEY CONTINUE TO WORKWITH NO FUSE IN?

This shows switch


Bodge fix repair to vent flap
View through vent flap on RH Drive UK car

[DaveBBOXSTER]

Hi Mike F,
Yes I do have a cover that just goes over the roof section and did use it one winter and it was great (as the roof screen leaked as it was split at that time) BUT the wind blows and the cover plus ropes scratches the bodywork so it put me off ...I may do a cover with a duvet under to keep it warm! It is the cold air freezing inside that is the problem as it causes frost on the screen inside...