Dead Battery?

[Burg Boxster]

Assuming you have a 986 (as I have no experience w/ 987s) sounds like your ignition switch is bad - especially w/ the note of key being hard to remove.

A bad switch will drain the battery as it doesn't shut things off as it's supposed to when you pull the key. Plus the #s you post suggest alternator is working. If the alt had a real charging problem and you had a bad battery, it most likely wouldn't run after a jump and disconnecting donor vehicle.....

Here's a link to replacing the electrical part of the switch

Part # needed is: 4A0-905-849-B

It's a common part across VW and Audi too so shop there (as some P-dealers will try to tell/sell you on replacing the whole sub-assembly = $$$.$$). ********************************az sells the part for $8.78 ********************************AZ Link to Part but you can pick it up at local dealers for ~ $30

Keep in mind too that our batteries (OEM) are not sealed and need topped off frequently (w/ distilled water). Proper maintenance will keep a battery for a long time. I shouldn't say this but..... the battery in my '99 is the original (built in 11/98) so it's almost 10 years old. I store it in the winters on a maintainer and top off the fluid just before and after storage as well as check the fluid every month or 2 in season.

Good Luck

[shaman1204]

Burg-

Yep, it's a 2001 986. Battery (non-OEM) had a ship date of 10/2006 on the side, so it's not that old. And a big thanks for the link, I priced that exact same parts number from an Audi dealer this afternoon and they quoted me $61!

[Burg Boxster]

try a VW dealer too

In the mean time, either disconnect the (-) term when leaving the car (for more than an hour or two) or keep it on a maintainer as the switch issue will get worse. Since it's an '01, make sure you also have your radio code handy before you disconnect the battery terminal.