Sticking Ignition Switch

[willgt-s]

Whenever I start my car, the ignition switch in my 2001 996 does not snap back to the run position from the start position. Is there a way to clean out any potential grime that might have built up? Also, if the return spring has indeed failed, can it be replaced separately from the entire ignition cylinder? Thanks for your help.

[1schoir]

Whenever I start my car, the ignition switch in my 2001 996 does not snap back to the run position from the start position. Is there a way to clean out any potential grime that might have built up? Also, if the return spring has indeed failed, can it be replaced separately from the entire ignition cylinder? Thanks for your help.

Will:

Cleaning or lubricating it will generally not fix the type of problem you are describing with your switch. Replace the electrical portion and it should resolve the problem.

Easy and cheap DIY (around $10), but you have to possess contortionist skills.

Do a search here and you'll find a detailed DIY, including the Audi part # that you need. You could also go to Mike Focke's web site for a DIY: http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/mikespor...boxsterwebpages

Regards, Maurice.

[jworden]

Whenever I start my car, the ignition switch in my 2001 996 does not snap back to the run position from the start position. Is there a way to clean out any potential grime that might have built up? Also, if the return spring has indeed failed, can it be replaced separately from the entire ignition cylinder? Thanks for your help.

I just replaced my Boxster switch - purchased at Autohaus -my post here - http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28986

[willgt-s]

Great, I'll try that out. The mechanic estimated a ~$600 fix (replacing the entire coded ignition unit) when I talked to him about the problem.

:renntech:

[porx]

changed mine last week.... u should be able to do everything from the vent ..... small stubby screwdriver and its easy, its a standard VW AUDI part, .... nice DIY job about an hours work

[1schoir]

Great, I'll try that out. The mechanic estimated a ~$600 fix (replacing the entire coded ignition unit) when I talked to him about the problem.

:renntech:

Will:

I believe that Porsche itself no longer sells the electrical part of the ignition switch and that they routinely replace the entire assembly.

That's really good for their profit margin, but usually not necessary for your purposes or your pocket. <_<

Some guys have done this DIY in less than 15 minutes, start to finish. Considering the cost of the switch as negligible, that would make your labor worth about $2,400 an hour!!!

Congratulations on the raise! You deserve it! :cheers:

Regards, Maurice.

[Irishjohn74]

I have the same problem with my 03 C4S. I found the switch from autohausaz and read the diy steps, my question is do you have to disconnect the battery and if so what are the precautions that you need to take when disconnecting your battery. Radio codes etc?

thanks

[RFM]

There is no need to disconnect the battery, just pull off the electric connector from the defective switch and replace the switch, push the electric connector back on the switch. Done.

[Slideorama]

are there different part numbers depending on model - for example i have a '98 build c2...what part number would that be?

[1schoir]

I have the same problem with my 03 C4S. I found the switch from autohausaz and read the diy steps, my question is do you have to disconnect the battery and if so what are the precautions that you need to take when disconnecting your battery. Radio codes etc?

thanks

As RFM says, it is not absolutely necessary to disconnect the battery.

For future reference, if you ever disconnect the battery, you only have to be concerned with the radio codes if you have one of the earlier cars, 2003 and before, IIRC. Do a search here and you will find all of the information that you need regarding the radio codes cut-off year.

Regards, Maurice.

[willgt-s]

are there different part numbers depending on model - for example i have a '98 build c2...what part number would that be?

I wouldn't think so. I followed the DIY and ended up using the switch for the '97 Audi A8 from NAPA. Worked perfectly.

Renntech 996 Ignition Switch DIY

[minny]

Using the instructions on this forum it took me half an hour to do it.