Battery dead - subsequent ignition problems

[smeech]

Hi
I stupidly left my '98 Boxster for too long between drives and when I went to start it, it tried but not enough power then just heard the solenoid sound. Really needed to get it started so hooked charger up and tried starting it. No joy. Anyway have decided to get new battery - all should be fine. Have checked what to do when reconnecting etc.

However, during trying to start my engine i'm not sure whether the ignition has gone? Ever since I have no power the ignition key seems like it wants to stay in the second position rather than the first where you can withdraw it easily. Is this normal for a dead battery ignition. Or am I looking at having to replace the ignition as well as a battery?

Help!

[Lil bastard]

Ignition (starter) switch is Kaput. Cheap, easy fix.

NEVER try to start the car with a battery charger hooked up to it!

That is unless you actually enjoy shelling out thousands of dollars (£'s in your case) to replace fried electronics!

If you need to recharge the battery, recharge it and wait. If you make you electronics go Blooey, you'll wish you had.

Cheers!

[Steve Tinker]

+1 on what LB says - whatever made you think connecting a battery charger would help start the car?? The starter motor pulls over 100 amps turning over the engine while a charger delivers less than 10 amps......

As to removing the key, sometimes the springs in the lock get worn (a heavy bunch of keys on your fob don't help) so a new ignition switch may be required. Its not a difficult job as long as you're not 6'2" tall, as you have to get under the steering wheel to install.

[smeech]

I panicked! Urgently needed to get car started and went a bit loopy.

Strangely enough I am 6'2". I am buying a new battery. Is it worth buying that first and trying to start and seeing if that sorts out the ignition switch or do you think it is definitely gone?

[schoir]

Originally Posted by smeech

I panicked! Urgently needed to get car started and went a bit loopy.

Strangely enough I am 6'2". I am buying a new battery. Is it worth buying that first and trying to start and seeing if that sorts out the ignition switch or do you think it is definitely gone?

The car will still probably start with the failing switch.

However, from what you have described regarding the ignition switch, and because the ignition switches fail and fail often on Boxsters (and other Porsches), I'd say you should replace the switch. If you buy the Audi part number and DIY it's only around $10.

The Audi Part Number, a/k/a/ the "new and improved" part....4A0-905-849-B, recognized as the replacement ignition switch part of choice for 986's and 996's.

Regards, Maurice.

[smeech]

So do you think I should try the battery first in case this rectifies the situation and then get the ignition switch if needs be? If I do this should I then disconnect the battery if the ignition is still dodgy?