Radio, Top, and other electrical not working properly.

[Loscano]

I purchased a 1999 Porsche Boxster 986 about a year ago and I'm having a few problems with the electrical accessories.  The top worked fine when I bought it, but now it won't work sometimes. The radio also turns on, then immediately off at startup, and it won' turn back on until a few minutes later either by itself, when I use turn signals, power windows, brake, or even just by itself. After the car is "warmed up", then it will stay on. Other things won't work right or not at all, such as the alarms for, ignition, door open, light switches, etc. The fuses are all fine, and I know the battery had been replaced right before I purchased it. I haven't checked the relay for the top, but I am about to do that now. I feel like there could be a single problem creating all these issues. Any help would be greatly helpful and appreciated! 

[wizard]

Could be ignition-switch related ... an easy fix and inexpensive. From memory, I used an Audi part.

 

Test your battery.

 

If you haven't had wet carpet under the driver's seat, you might want to look anyway to see if the previous owner had and it penetrated the Central Locking Unit.

 

All of the above can give rise to weird happenings!

 

Otherwise, it could be microswitch-related. 

 

Edited January 28, 2018 by wizard

[mikefocke]

Any salvage or flood history on this car?

[Loscano]

Thank you guys for the feedback and information! I have a feeling it could be the ignition switch. I've heard 986 owner's say the ignition switch is something that will eventually go bad; and that it causes several electrical components to go a little haywire. Also, I don't know if there's any salvage history with the car, but I can tell that it has been repainted at some point. Is there any way to check this via Vin number or something? It will be a few days until I can check everything out. 

[neilapeacock]

Had ignition switch go on my uk spec 1998 Boxster common fault and had various issues just before eg wipers not working,etc think replacement has sorted issues


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CET]

I also have this problem with the radio on my 2002 Boxster. Have replaced the ignition switch but this has not solved the problem. There must be power to the radio at all times as the security code is retained. Works when ignition is on but then packs in on start. Occasionally comes back on, but sometimes not! There are no other issues. I am not sure where to even start looking now, or how to test. Any ideas appreciated.

[JohnWpg]

I have the same problem.  But everything works if I just giggle the key a bit.  Dealer told me very common problem and fix is to replace the ignition switch - 2 hrs labour plus parts - so probably around $500.  I want to do it myself - where can I get detailed instructions on how to do it?

[Loren]

27 minutes ago, JohnWpg said:

I have the same problem.  But everything works if I just giggle the key a bit.  Dealer told me very common problem and fix is to replace the ignition switch - 2 hrs labour plus parts - so probably around $500.  I want to do it myself - where can I get detailed instructions on how to do it?

 

or

 

[JohnWpg]

I replaced the ignition switch.  Was not too difficult but you need the right screwdriver to loosen the switch from the ignition housing.  Luckily I had something that worked. Took about 20 minutes including running around and looking for the right screwdriver.  Works perfect now - glad I didn't pay dealer $500 for this simple job.

[Loren]