Ignition lock housing or ignition switch?

[cbbepop]

Hello everyone

I have searched the old threads for sticky key issues and honestly Im still puzzled whether I have such said issue.

What I experience is that when I insert the key into the ignition, it goes in smoothly and comes out smootly. But when I turn it all the way to the right to start the car, I have to bring it back to the left one notch for lights, radio, ac and even wipers to be turned on.

Is this what I described a sticky key issue? And for such an issue would I need to replace the ignition lock housing with switch or ignition switch? I ask this because the parts are sold seperately on sunset coast and I'm gonna buy it off here :D

Any advise is appreciated

Thanks!

Oh and the make is 2001 Boxster S

Edited June 10, 2009 by cbbepop

[Loren]

Yes, you have a bad ignition switch.

If you do not want to have problems again - go the whole route and replace the ignition lock assembly.

[svansyoc]

the new style housing has a larger switch that should not break anymore, this is the only way available from Porsche, with non oem it is possible to get the old switch but I would recomend to replace the complete housing.

[cbbepop]

the new style housing has a larger switch that should not break anymore, this is the only way available from Porsche, with non oem it is possible to get the old switch but I would recomend to replace the complete housing.

Aww stinks! I was hoping that "one notch to the left rule" was how all porsche ignitions work hahaha.

Ok I'll just order it off suncoast...

Thnx for the answers!

[ACR MAN]

I had been having occasional trouble with my ignition - mainly with the "key in" chime sounding after the key was off and removed. Just today, I started the car and the ignition cylinder assembly emitted a notchy "clink." Now I can't remove the key because the key will not turn fully to the left for off/lock position. Would fixing this require a new switch or a new housing assembly? Is that a straightforward DIY operation? I am very well versed in automotive repair, but I don't have much Porsche-specific experience.

Thanks!

Greg

2000 Boxster S 6-speed

Edited June 12, 2009 by ACR MAN

[Boxsterfahrer]

I had been having occasional trouble with my ignition - mainly with the "key in" chime sounding after the key was off and removed. Just today, I started the car and the ignition cylinder assembly emitted a notchy "clink." Now I can't remove the key because the key will not turn fully to the left for off/lock position. Would fixing this require a new switch or a new housing assembly? Is that a straightforward DIY operation? I am very well versed in automotive repair, but I don't have much Porsche-specific experience.

Thanks!

Greg

2000 Boxster S 6-speed

Just had the same problem on my 2003 Boxster S. Ignition key difficult to remove. Had new switch on hand and installed same in about 30 minutes. All is well again. Opened old switch to check what was reason for failure and determined that the plastic housing has a portrusion that is ankering the start position return spring. This ankering point was broken off therby returning the Ignition switch only partly and cousing various problems. The switch contacts are pristine. I installed a 2/56 allen bolt thru the plastic top to act as the spring stop and I am sure that this switch will last. However since it is so easy to replace the switch I ordered 2 new items for $ 25.00 including freight from AutoPartsWarehouse.com to cover any eventuality.