Ignition switch problems, need advice/ help

[mptoledo]

Originally Posted by spyder803

Had trouble last week getting my key out of the ignition and noticed it no longer kicked back to on once started so I did a search and ordered the electric piece of the ignition and researched Pedro's garage.

Got the new piece in and changed them out this morning but ran into a pretty big issue, when I reconnected my battery and went to start the car I got the Airbag error and all other lights on, but the key would not turn. I have since disconnected the battery and removed the new part but does anyone have any ideas what might be wrong here?

I ordered the part from Autohauz and it is the Meyle unit. Has any else experience similar or have any ideas as to what may be wrong? I did not have any error lights or electrical issues before changing the switch.

My key doesn't stick, but I have to manually turn it back or it will stay in start mode and the starter will wine. Is this the same issue you had? If so what is the part or can you post a link as I am not familiar with "pedro".

Thanks Markp.

[Burg Boxster]

the part # you need is:

4A0 905 849 B

It's a common VW/Audi part. You can buy it for ~ $10 online from ************************************************************ or check w/ a local Audi or VW dealer. Many times P-car dealers try and sell/tell you a new complete ignition tumbler along w/ the switch. Obviously mucho dinero.

Incidentally, do you not get a noticeable 'clunk' when you pull the key out of the ignition switch? If not, you definitely have an ignition switch issue which you want to jump on ASAP before your battery gets drained.

Anyhow, Pedro is one of if not THE most passionate and generous Boxster enthusiasts I have ever met. He runs a biz in south FL called Pedro's Garage. Aside from selling some Boxster performance products (techno brace, technoTorque among other things), he contributes many DIY write ups to help even not so well equipped shade tree mechanics care for their Boxster and most importantly save $$$.

Incidentally, I do have a technoTorque (which is new to the market) installed in my '99 and I must say I am convinced of it's benefits and claims.

[mptoledo]

Hey thanks, when i googled it the part came up as $35.00. I hope its something I can do myself. I am changing my rear bumper cover currently. Actually that is pretty easy, just about 6 screws and a few hex nuts.

[jwade]

It is easy, but you need to get a very small "hobby sized" flat head screwdriver to loosen the set screws holding the switch down. I've had a set of small flat and phillips head drivers for years that I used to work on r/c cars and planes with.

[spyder803]

I assure you it can be done, I ended up just cutting one of my smaller screw drivers down to size in order to remove the screws.

Also, my problem started out exactly like yours. My key stopped returning after ignition, luckily the starter disengages on a Porsche and doesn't keep trying. I'd suggest ordering the part right away. I found better prices than $35.00 in multiple locations even though $35.00 is not expensive for what you save by doing yourself, you may want to look around.

[mptoledo]

Originally Posted by spyder803

I assure you it can be done, I ended up just cutting one of my smaller screw drivers down to size in order to remove the screws.

Also, my problem started out exactly like yours. My key stopped returning after ignition, luckily the starter disengages on a Porsche and doesn't keep trying. I'd suggest ordering the part right away. I found better prices than $35.00 in multiple locations even though $35.00 is not expensive for what you save by doing yourself, you may want to look around. :cheers:

Wow!! Pedro's site is amazing. I ordered the part from my autozone as they will have it tomorrow and it was only $8 more than autohouz(with ship). This project looks like a no brainer. I have always been kind of handy with this kind of stuff(for a suit). I just hate throwing money away to let some one else do something I can do myself(Just like most of us). I have already taken my rear bumper off to replace it with another one that isn't damaged. Next I might look into the 60k tune up. I am 50 miles away from the nearest P-mechanic. I have changed the brakes and blead them on my V-max cycle, so I am sure I can follow detailed directions.

Thanks a lot for the helpful links!!

[mptoledo]

ok, the project is a no brainer, if your hands are like frickin tiny. Good god pedro must have like little people hands. I got to the part and couldn't for the life of me get the screw driver even close(watch size driver). I had no problem contorting my 6'2" fram under the seat, and the airduct was easy off. I finally said to hell with it(for now) after about 10 tries. The airduct was easy off, but a massive pain to get back on.

Well i will try again later when i am not all worked up and frustrated. Oh my porsche ate my watch screw drive. Damn thing dropped down behind a side panel.