Ignition switch/alarm problem

[Down South]

I believe I've got the ignition switch blues! Today when I shut the car off (MY99), the inside chime stayed on, the radio stays on and the alarm system won't engage with the button on the key (the switch still thinks the key is in it). I played around with the switch a few times and got it to "hit the right spot" and everything turned off. My question: will this be sovled with the electrical portion of the ignition switch, or is it more serious? How difficult is it to replace?

Thanks for your replies!

DS

[RFM]

The electric part of the switch is a common problem, you can separate this part from the lock by removing both screws on the back side after disconnecting the electric connector.

[phillipj]

Sounds like the evil ignition switch. Mine failed as well. Unfortunetly for me I didn't know that you could fix it yourself for very little money. I took it to a P car mechanic and they replaced the whole mechanism and it cost me over $500.

You can try to do a primative test to confirm if the switch is the culprit. Put the key in turn the ignition to the on position and jiggle it. If different funny electrical things happen it is definetly your switch. When I Jiggled mine the aircon and fan would go on and off etc.

Might be a good idea not to drive the car until you get this fixed

The key can totally freeze up and strand you (like mine did.)

There is a great thread here on how to do it yourself. The switch itself is quite inexpensive and is available through VW or Audi (I think around $25.00) You must have the part number and do not tell them it is for a Porsche!

You will find all this information (and input by other members who have done this DIY) in the thread if you do a search.

Hope this helps

Phillipj

Edited March 29, 2008 by phillipj