Ignition switch yet again... what's the deal?

[nixonad]

Eight months ago I replaced the ignition switch in my 1998 (just the electrical part) and now I'm on my fourth one. I got two of them from e-bay and two from an online retailer. They all look alike and they all have started acting up within 4,000 miles or so of driving.

Am I getting bad switches or is there something else that is causing these to die? Is there a different switch that I should look for that will last? I'm getting sick of buying a new one and swapping them out so often.

I seem to remember someone saying that the switch that is currently available (the Audi/VW one) is a tiny bit shorter than the original Porsche one. Do I need to replace the entire lock mechanism? Has anyone else had this problem with a replacement switch?

My other question is if it comes to replacing the lock mechanism will my current key work? You guys are a wealth of information and I don't know where I'd be without the forums- they have certainly saved me a lot of frustration when my Boxster has had issues.

Thanks for any replies!

[Tool Pants]

Apparently there is a made in China switch on the market that is even worse than the made in Germany switch.

[nixonad]

Perhaps I'm getting the Chinese ones. Anyone know where I can get a German one? Maybe Audi?

[PTEC]

You might want to try upgrading the whole steering lock assembly to the new style. It has the new ignition switch (black and white) with it. There has been significantly less failures of the new style. I think its about 150 bucks.

Edited August 9, 2006 by PTEC