Switch question

[DWBOX2000]

I am replacing the ignition switch in my 02 boxster S. The car has 65k on it. I replaced on my old 02 996 C4s also. Switches seem to be an issue. Is it worth trying to spray electric connector cleaner into the switch. It doesn’t seem to spring all the way back. Can I ruin anything (besides switch) doing that? I have switch outside the car. The switches are cheap but tough to get in a reasonable amount of time. Thanksz

[Zeke]

Switch or lock? I found no way to lube the lock.

[DWBOX2000]

Switch. It looks a bit corroded on one of the pins (tabs). I have the switch, I have cleaner. Maybe it’s just a little stuck from grime.

[Zeke]

I didn't have it at the time, but electronics guys use Deoxit. They also use good oil like gun oil but doesn't have to be. 3 in 1 is popular. And there is debate (mostly positive) that WD-40 is just as good for both.

Mine was gone. It wouldn't function right so a new one was the better idea. But the lock became and remained stiff, another typical problem. Maybe I did get it freer because during the selling process it got used more and since I have pumped some WD in it, that might have spread out and soaked the mechanism.

I'm still not sure what you're working on because the switch has contacts and the lock has a type of pins. They are 2 totally different part numbers that screw together. And no fun to work on.

[DWBOX2000]

Sorry, I’m having problem with the picture. I’ll just spray in the holes on the seitch, let dry and see what happens.
Amazing how difficult it is to get one of these.

[Zeke]

This is the switch:


This shows the lock with and w/o the switch.



The lock can fail too. Or it can be real stiff which, as I said, is a common problem.

[DWBOX2000]

That’s it. I cleaned with CRC QD electronic cleaner. Seems to be working good. Lights work, acknowledging key not in slor.
Any idea if the battery in the key would sometimes keep key slot from allowing key in?
Thanks for everything. I appreciate it very much.

[porsche tech]

We replaced a multitude of those on 986 and 996. A lot of times a little piece of plastic up by the nose of it would crack. Audi had the same switch with the same problems. They’re pretty cheap…I’d just replace it.

[DWBOX2000]

Thanks. I have one on order. Porsche doesn’t sell by itself now. Need the whole mechanism for 400 parts. Any idea if that battery impacts the flap where the key goes in?

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by DWBOX2000

That’s it. I cleaned with CRC QD electronic cleaner. Seems to be working good. Lights work, acknowledging key not in slor.
Any idea if the battery in the key would sometimes keep key slot from allowing key in?
Thanks for everything. I appreciate it very much.

No, the fob key will not prevent insertion. Like PT said the switches are not the greatest and you don't need a Genuine Porsche one. eBay has them, even Ali Express. Although with the amount of work it takes I'd get a good one.

But, yeah, the lock can be a problem too and I think they respond to some light lube. You know that WD=40 cleans better than it lubes but it does leave some lube behind. I've not known of it to harm anything including plastic. But it does have solvents in it so I wipe it off viable surfaces and even clean those a bit afterwards.

One way to distribute a light lube is to blow air in behind where you insert the straw. Be gentle, a few pounds should do it. Use clean air but I think the cans for computers is not enough. Better than nothing and it's clean.

Cold weather always exacerbates the stiffness of all these parts.

Now wait until your clutch and brake pedal switches fail. Those are a barrel of fun too. Again, they are somewhat universal in the German world. In fact, a lot of the Genuine parts have a 996 number.

[DWBOX2000]

Thanks. I got the new switch from oreillys so not bad. Audi wanted 88. As mentioned, I replaced on 996 so I know the drill. I love the clutch pedal rammed against my forehead. Max, 30 minutes. I just wanted for the weekend which so far seems to be working. Missed last weekend so I was sort of having withdrawals. Thanks for the wd40 info, I didn’t know.