Weird ignition switch

[dj996]

I take out the key and still get a gong, as if I left the keys in the ignition. Also get the double horn beep when I tried to lock it manually. Appears to be a central locking failure of some sort. Never heard of an ignition switch wearing out at 30K miles. Oh well, one more thing for them to fix at the 30K service:(

[Guest]

Hmmm.. do both keys act the same way?

[muranomike]

I had this exact same problem with my 01' Boxster.

Over the phone they thought I would need to get a new ignition, but when I brought the car in it was actually a really easy fix.

[Sandy]

I take out the key and still get a gong, as if I left the keys in the ignition. Also get the double horn beep when I tried to lock it manually. Appears to be a central locking failure of some sort. Never heard of an ignition switch wearing out at 30K miles. Oh well, one more thing for them to fix at the 30K service:(

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Are you sure you're getting a double beep when you lock the door with the key, rather than a single beep?

I once ran a test with my 996 where I intentionally left one of my keys in the ignition switch, forcing the switch contact which senses a key's insertion, closed. After closing the door, I was unable to lock the car using the remote, but was able to do it usng a key in the door lock. The alarm system gave me a single beep when I used the door lock, evidently to remind me that I left a key in the ignition switch!

So, if that one contact of the ignition switch is stuck shut, I guess it would give you a single beep symptom.

One thing you might have to be concerned about if that contact is bad... A couple of systems such as the immobilizer and airbag may be continuously powered, putting a drain on the battery. Have you seen any sign of your battery being a bit weak?

BTW, my ignition switch had to be replaced somewhere around 25,000 miles.