Ignition switch replaced

[jworden]

My first post here - I am very impressed with the quality of information on this site.

99 Boxster with the usual sticking of the ignition key. A few months ago it began to be fussy to remove the key from the cylinder. After researching on this site I ordered two switches from Autohaus.

4A0905849B Ignition Switch $8.78

Last week I really had to struggle to remove the key and noticed that the radio did not go off and the key fob would not open the rear hatch. After work I again struggled to insert the key and was beginning to think I would not get home the usual way. Finally got the key in and started the car - taking extra care not to stall and made it home!

That evening I found the DIY for the switch replacement and in ~30 minutes or less was done. I removed the plastic air duct under the dash, found and loosened the two set screws on the cylinder, and slid the old switch off. Success.

I dismantled the failed switch and sure enough there was a little piece of plastic which had failed and no longer held the return spring in place - exactly as shown in a photo I found in another renntech post.

This summer I have also changed oil, replaced spark plugs (found the existing ones to be loose!) and changed the serpentine belt all at 65,000 miles. I purchased the car a year ago at 55,000 and use it to commute.

Here is my spare switch:

[Loren]

:thumbup:

[Paul_B]

I am very impressed with the quality of information on this site.

I second that! Just finished replacing my ignition switch / steering lock unit on my 99 boxster with the newer version after it died yesterday. Thanks to Sunset (for overnighting the part) and the step by step instructions and pictures on this thread I am now back on the road instead of waiting for a tow truck to haul my car to the local stealership!

:renntech: