Help: problem with Ignition hole position

[harryhchen]

Lat night I had problem to pull the ignition key out at the normal position. As I recall the normal key position should be vertical to the ground. I finally manage the get the key out at a 30 degree angle. But then it is hard to get the key back in at this position to start it again. After a few tries, I finally got the key back in and started the car. I noticed two problems:
1) the headlight is no longer working (high beam still ok);
2) after I shut off the engine and pulled the key out (at the angle) and open the door, the door-ajar sound (ding...) would start as if the key is still in the key hole. If I shut the door, the sound would go away.

Can you help me understand what the problem is? Thanks.

Harry

It is a Boxster 2000 2.7L and I don't think the key has a chip on it. See pictures.

[Aron in Toronto]

The electrical portion of your ignition switch is probably damaged. This is a common issue with Boxsters. Fortunately it is an easy repair if you are DIY inclined.

Note: Porsche recommends replacing the entire ignition switch and no longer sells the electrical portion by itself, but the (electrical) part is available at VW and Audi dealerships and online through our host.

I replaced the electrical part of the switch and it is a fairly simple procedure that took about 25-30 minutes, but you need to lie on your back in the driver’s foot well area to access the back of the switch. For this I placed a small foot stool on the ground next to the open drivers door and placed a pillow over the stool and door’s threshold to lay down on while I worked, this saved my back. You’ll also need a stubby / small flat head screwdriver to loosen the stitch.

DIY instruction for replacing the electrical portion if the switch. Search Google for “Boxster ignition switch DIY” and you’ll find lots of instructions.

ignitionswitchreplacement - mikefocke2 (Thanks Mike Focke)

Or

DIY instructions for replacing entire switch assembly.

Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Ignition Switch Replacement - 986 / 987

Parts options from our host.

Porsche Boxster Switches & Motors - Page 1

[harryhchen]

Thanks for your reply, Aron.

I looked at Wayne's book again. The key hole position is actually correct (30 degree from the vertical line). But I still have those three problems:
1) hard to get the key in;
2) headlight is not working; and
3) the door-ajar sound on when the key is out and door is open.

Are those all related to the malfunction of electrical portion of ignition switch? Thanks again.

harry

[harryhchen]

One more question:

Is this what I need order to replace the electrical portion?

4A0-905-849-B-M5352
Ignition Switch, Electrical Portion Only
$11


thanks again.

harry

[Aron in Toronto]

Yes the symptoms of a hard to turn key and misc electrical gremlins are associated with a failing ignition switch. There could be other causes but the switch is cheap and reasonably easy to change. When my switch failed (2x in 30k miles) the key was hard to turn and I could remove the key w/ the engine still running.

The part number I used is similar to the one you posted but yours seems to have an additional suffix that either indicates a revised/updated part or perhaps a vendor added number. I used part Number 4A0 905 849 B . I bought mine at an Audi dealer here in Toronto and paid more than what was available online, but i needed the part ASAP.

[harryhchen]

I ordered the part (4A0-905-849-B-M5352) from Pelican yesterday afternoon and saw it in my mailbox today. WOW. Fast delivery. Thanks, Pelican.

I am ready to go.
One more question: I have seen on the web, some people disconnect battery first. Should I do that?

[newlife]

Yes, I think so... and make sure you have your radio code. I think in Waynes book he talks about disconnecting the battery when working on this kind of thing. I am not 100 % on this but I think it to be wise to disconnect. Maybe some of the more experienced owners on the forum will chime in.

Rod

[harryhchen]

I took chance and did not disconnect the battery.
It worked! After the new part put in, all the problems went away. Thank for the helps from this community.

For the screw driver, I bought a set of four screw-driver from Kragen for $2.00 :-)