Question on Boxster Ignition Switch

I have a 97 Boxster. Here's my ignition story that I need some help with. First, when I turned the key off, it would periodically not "click" when I pulled the key out of the cylinder and the bell would ding as though the key were still in the ignition. With a little jiggling or tapping on the outside of the key slot, you could hear the mechanism fall into place inside the key cylinder and the bell would stop ringing. Sounded like a tumbler issue to me, but one I could live with. Then last week, my headlights would not come on when I turned the switch to the on position and when I pulled the key out of the ignition, I could not get the mechanism to lock, so the bell would keep ringing and I assume the ignition is still in the "on" position. I disconnected the battery assuming that was the case.

Does this sound like a problem with the electrical switch which the headlight issue would indicate or a tumbler problem because the tumbler doesn't always fall into place or a little of both?

I was successful in getting the tumbler out of the dashboard, but not sure what to do now. I didn't want remove the electrical switch inside if that was not the problem. Also, where can I get a new small connector that attaches to the immobilizer induction coil indicated by the red arrow in figure 2? I had some difficulty removing the connector from the tumbler and one of the wires came out of the connector.

Many, many thanks!

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[Casey at Pelican Parts]

Definitely the steering lock assembly. The connector I believe you are looking for is part number 8D0-972-623-AA, we do not show this as being available but you may have some luck at the VW dealer, or with a Google search.

- Casey

[ghtaboma]

Same problem on my 2001. Lights went out while driving. Turned the key slightly to the left, and they came back on. When removing the key, if the gong keeps going and you close the door the battery will drain. The trick is to jiggle the key til the gong goes off. I'm ready to change out my switch too. May have to do both the electrical part, and the locking unit.