OBC airbag failure message - car would not start

[willos]

Something strange happened to my Boxster (S 2003) today. After a 30 miles drive I parked my car at a shopping mall and when I came back, the car wouldn't start anymore.

There is no ignition sound at all. After a few seconds, I got a airbag failure message on my OBC. Note that there is NO airbag warning light, just the OBC message. I don't have diagnostic tool to read the error code....

I tried a few things:

* Start car using a battery recharger device -- same result. Everything on the car powers up fine include my soft top so should not be a battery issue.

* Start my car using another remote key -- same result. Does not seem like a remote/immobilizer related issue

* Disconnect the car battery for 15 minutes -- same result. Problem persists.

* Clutch depressed several times or at different depressed positions

Some major work on my car that might me relevant:

* I had to repaint the passenger side door over a year -- could some issue with this door airbag creep up on me after over a year?

* I changed my clutch half a year ago. This is may affect more of the cut-off switch but not related to the airbag message...

Could an issue with airbag actually stop my car from starting up? I read articles where the airbag message or warning light only serve as an alert and does impact other functions of the car.

Will

[willos]

Should add that I changed my ignition switch 2 months ago. Never had a problem starting up my car before this.

[Loren]

I would put the Durametric software, a PST2, or PIWIS tester on the car and verify that you do not have an airbag fault.

I would suspect the door airbag on the door that was repainted - and that your airbag light might be burnt out.

[wvicary]

Bypass the clutch switch and be sure the battery is in condition. I don't see why an airbag code would cause a no start condition.

[willos]

Embarrassingly it turns out that the ignition switch screws got loose over the several months of use after my replacement. Once I tighten it back up, the car is able to start up again and the airbag message went away.