Light Switch - Constant Illumination

[KevinH90]

The light switch on the dashboard in my 2000 Boxster is illuminated all the time.

I think that it may be related to my recent replacement of the ignition switch.  My ignition key would not come out of the ignition switch, so I replaced the electrical part with the Audi part.  I used the replacement procedure that includes removing the left side vent trim piece that holds the ignition switch.  This fixed the key-removal issue, but it seems like soon after I noticed that the ignition switch lighting was constantly on.  Even when the car is totally off and locked, I can see the light switch illuminated.

About a year ago, I added a set of litronic headlights with the self-leveling feature.  I've seen some posts that indicate that the litronics may add some stress to the light switch causing it to fail.  So, that could be a contributing factor.

Before I start throwing parts at the problem by changing the light switch, I'm wondering whether anyone else has had a similar problem and found the solution.   Also, are there any options other than the Porsche part?

Thanks

[JFP in PA]

As the problem started with the replacement of the ignition switch, I'd start there.

[KevinH90]

Thanks JFP.  I reached up behind the dash and pressing the back of the ignition switch turned the illumination off on the headlight switch.  But, then it wouldn't light up when I turned the car on.  I re-replaced the ignition switch and all is well.

 

My inexperience prevented me from thinking that a new part could be defective.  I thought that I may have damaged something when I removed the vent trim.  I am as careful as I can be, but it took a bit of wrangling to get the trim off and on.

 

At least I've learned not to start throwing parts at problems.  A few years ago I probably would have bought a new headlight switch to see if that fixed the problem.  Headlight switches are much more expensive than ignition switches.

[JFP in PA]

Unfortunately, defective new parts are a fact of life; fecal matter occurs.  Glad you got it sorted. :thumbup:

[KevinH90]

It wasn't exactly a new part - more precisely it was "new old-stock.".  About four years ago I bought a box of maintenance items from someone who sold their Boxster and was selling the parts he didn't need at a discount.  The items I bought included the ignition switch.   I know it was at least 4-years old because I bought it in July 2011.  There is no way to know how long he had it before he sold it to me.

 

I was just thinking - I've used everything in that batch of parts except one oil filter and 4 spark plug tubes and the associated O-rings.  I hope those will be OK when I need them.