can't start

[box986]

have anyone got the same problem like i have ,97 boxster i just got a few time that i can't start my car , that was a while back ,today it happen again it when complete no dash light. for a few time i start ,than the interior light came on and start again ,but this time the k/m turn to miles and the clock when off need to ajust again,and the wrost thing is one side of the light blow off just the running light is on ,and idea what is the problem ,when i got the car the batteries wasn't the original type ,was quiet a bit smaller compare to the original batt ,no sure that was the case ,also before i start the car i got the radio going for a may be an hour cause i was polish my car .thank's if someone can advise me . :(

[98Boxster98]

Random electrical problems can be caused by the '+ignition +switch'. Search the board for ignition switch. I just ordered a new switch and bought a tiny screwdriver in preparation to install it.

Edited June 8, 2005 by 98Boxster98

[box986]

98 boxster thank's for the quick reply ,do u have the ignition switch part no for it ?how hard was it to fix it yourself ?

[98Boxster98]

Again, I suggest searching the board for more information. On our year cars, a plain ignition switch is no longer available from Porsche; you have to get it from a VW/Audi dealer - pn 480.905.849B. It's about $30. Porsche does not sell the switch anymore and only specifies a whole ignition switch assembly because of a design change. It's quite a bit harder to install and costs 4x as much. Is the new one better? Maybe but I figure it took 7 years for the one on my car to get flaky and I can change it 4 times to equal the cost of the new design.

I have not received my switch yet but if you read the threads, some people have had an easy time (5 minutes) and other took awhile longer. I guess it helps to be limber as you have to get underneath the dashboard. You will also need a tiny screwdriver for use in a cramp area. The threads offer many creative solutions for a screwdriver that works. I bought the tiny screwdriver that comes with the Radio Shack Zip Zap cars. There are cheaper alternatives but somebody got a toy out of it.

Edited June 8, 2005 by 98Boxster98

[98Boxster98]

Oh yeah - you probably want to check if you have any OBDII fault codes.

[box986]

what is the OBDLL codes mean?

[box986]

hi 98 boxster thank's for the part's no that u gave me for the ignation switch they were quiet suprised when i gave them the part's no ,otherwise they were trying to sell me the whole unit ,they still got them if u need them or who ever need them let me know ,apperiantly they were audi logo same as the original aswell suprised ,it take me longer than 5 minutes ,my time 10 minutes .

[98Boxster98]

I hope it works for you. Some of your problems are similar to mine but things like the clock resetting may be because there's a loose connection to your battery or maybe your battery is being fully charged. Does your car start strong? What model battery did you use?

[box986]

my batteries are not the original sizes it's smaller than the batteries box it wasn't start strong strong ,but it start nor ,but after install the ignition switch i got a feeling that it start differently ,like more power on the batteries ,instant quick start ,i can be wrong ,but it feel that way to me .exactly my mechanic told me usually 97 box have that problem ,because as soon as i ask him ,he point out that right away ,and told me how to change it ,for 7 year's old box that igination was last quiet good ,but i figure even that wasn't the problem is still wroth it ,again it's quiet easy to install it ,fun job .let me know how it goes on your's