ignition switch

sepia2.4 · 11-25-2007, 03:10 PM

I had all of the likely suspects that previous threads had indicated on my 2000 S. Hard to turn, etc. and recently when pulling my key out nothing happened (still thinks the key is in and difficult to reinsert the key) or a very delayed reaction. Replaced the 4A0-905-849-B part and nothing has changed. I've noticed that the click (steering lock?) has a very delayed response. Perhaps I need a complete switch assembly? Any help would be appreciated.

Britwrench · 11-28-2007, 01:56 PM

You need the whole assembly. Porsche updated it.
Replacing the electrical switch doesn't fix the fault.

sepia2.4 · 12-03-2007, 10:35 AM

I've got a quote from my local wrench to do the switch switch. Approx $500.
Probably a good idea to proceed and get it right. Thanks

TargaFlorio · 12-12-2007, 02:13 PM

My shop is fixing my ignition switch today.
The key turns fine, but it goes "one step" too far.
When I turn the key counter-clock wise, back in the '3' position, everything works.

I'm changing it because sooner or later the ignition switch will break and I'll get stranded.

Local shop quoted me $150 (50 for parts and 1 hour labor)

Cheers,
n.
_
http://nicolashunziker.com

Britwrench · 12-12-2007, 05:07 PM

" Local shop quoted me $150 (50 for parts and 1 hour labor)"

The lock assembly needs changing, not just the switch. Part number 996 347 017 07.
The lock assembly does not come with the key cylinder, because it's not needed.

TargaFlorio · 12-12-2007, 05:34 PM

Britwrench,

are you saying that it should be a larger job?

Cheers,
n.
_
http://nicolashunziker.com

Britwrench · 12-12-2007, 08:53 PM

Yes, it's a very common problem with early 986/996 models. can get to the stage where you can turn the key back, pull it out of the lock and the engine continues to run or all the dash lights remain on.

TargaFlorio · 12-12-2007, 08:58 PM

It's a good thing I'm having it fixed then.

Britwrench,

I think your boss (Walter, a fellow Swiss) came by my booth at Monterey. He was there with J. Goodman.
Do you work on both Porsche and Ferrari cars?

Cheers,
n.
_
http://nicolashunziker.com

Britwrench · 12-12-2007, 10:56 PM

Hope the repair works out. Early Boxsters usually need the updated ignition lock assembly.

Walter is the owner and yes, we work mainly on Porsche. Other cars we deal with are Ferrari, Corvette and other cars that customers want us to do.

superglide · 12-13-2007, 11:31 AM

Can you tell me which year models are considered "early" needing the upgrade?
Thanks,
Andy

Britwrench · 12-13-2007, 09:50 PM

Anything up to about 99/00 and only if a problem similar to the other posters on this thread occurs. Mostly it seems to be 97 - 99 and mainly Boxsters.
Always make sure you have two working keys.

superglide · 12-14-2007, 09:15 AM

many thanks for the info, BW. I've noticed a slight drag upon removing the key, though it could be connected to the fact that it's (finally) gotten cold here. Would a very small amount of lubricant, WD40 or Dri-lube be appropriate or harmful?
Best,
Andy

Britwrench · 12-14-2007, 09:34 AM

Andy

Start thinking about replacing the ignition housing. The lubricant probably won't fix it.

When the key action changes, or you can't really "feel" where the key position is, that's the usual sign of a new housing being required.

superglide · 12-14-2007, 09:44 AM

aarrrghhh! Ok, I'm over it now. I got Pelican's price on the lock/housing assy; but I couldn't get a read from the above threads on the install labor/cost. As a Tech, how many hours labor do you feel is typical for this r&r?

sepia2.4 · 12-16-2007, 08:07 AM

I finally got the job done a couple of days ago. The ignition lock assembly was $148 and the labor was 3 hours. It's the right thing to do. Now when I take the key out everything that is supposed to happen does. Before I had to wait until the interior light came on before opening the door. The steering lock "click" was always later. Now it's all happening as soon as I pull the key out.

Tool Pants · 10:38 AM

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=493

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1313

There have been 4 version of the VW/Audi switch, and then Porsche gave up for model year 2004. I once went on an Audi message board and they were have the same problem with the switch, as you would suspect.

Rather than putting in the new syle housing/switch that started in 2004, some DIYers just put in another switch. The issue is that there are several aftermarket switches (I have been told some made in China) and the aftermarket switch can fail even sooner than the VW/Audi switch. You can find the switch for something like $9 on ebay, but it may not be a quality switch.

If it is acting funky then lubricating the part you put the key in is not going to help. The problem is with the switch itself at the end of the housing.

I have a 1997 and the switch was replaced under warranty. Then in 1999 there was a recall for about 3,600 1997s. I had no problems with the switch put in under the warranty, but I had it replaced again under the recall. I have had no problems with the switch put in under the recall.

My 2 cents. Porsche should recall all 1997-2003 and replace the housing/switch with the new style since this is a known problem.