99 Box Ignition switch

[JebLacey]

Ok... I am having a bunch of problems with my Box right now, but I do have a question about the Ignition switch. I have already had it looked at, and they say it is fine, but I am not so sure. I have been having this "no start condition" that I have outlined in "please help", but today, I got it started again. When it does start, it comes in on tranny safe mode, so i know that i have a CAN bus problem still. But today, when it would NOT start, i wiggled the key for a minute, and the CEL came on, and it started? HOw much "play" should i have in my switch. All the lights come one every time (except the CEL), but when I wiggled it, the CEL came on and started. I have about 2mm of play in every direction.

Also, what is the Part number for a 99 Box ignition switch? I have read on here that some cars use the VW/Audi ignition switch, and that porsche will only sell me the whole lock and ignition set. Does anyone know if the VW part will fit a 99 box? i know my ig is the old one cause the red paint is still on the screws.

Brian

[0586slb]

Do a search for the ignition switch replacement - the Audi part will fit your car.

[JebLacey]

Which year and model Audi or VW? I called the local parts place, and they need the make model and year. I called the VW Dealership, but it will take a while through them. I would like to do it sooner than X-Mas!

[number9ine]

Brian,

I've seen your other post about the transmission troubles and offer my condolences. Although I don't have any specific knowledge about any of the failures you're seeing, I humbly suggest that if your Boxster's data bus is malfunctioning, that the Immobilizer in your car may affected, keeping you from starting the car. It's my experience that multiple symptoms are often the result of a single failure, and throwing parts at every symptom without expert troubleshooting could wind up costing far more than an hour's tech time at the local Porsche shop. Have you had the car tested by a mechanic familiar with Boxsters and access to a PST2/PIWIS tester? They may have insight into your issue that could solve both your trans "safe mode" and starting problems at once.

Best of luck and keep us informed.

Mark

[Rolando]

Ok... I am having a bunch of problems with my Box right now, but I do have a question about the Ignition switch. I have already had it looked at, and they say it is fine, but I am not so sure. I have been having this "no start condition" that I have outlined in "please help", but today, I got it started again. When it does start, it comes in on tranny safe mode, so i know that i have a CAN bus problem still. But today, when it would NOT start, i wiggled the key for a minute, and the CEL came on, and it started? HOw much "play" should i have in my switch. All the lights come one every time (except the CEL), but when I wiggled it, the CEL came on and started. I have about 2mm of play in every direction.

Also, what is the Part number for a 99 Box ignition switch? I have read on here that some cars use the VW/Audi ignition switch, and that porsche will only sell me the whole lock and ignition set. Does anyone know if the VW part will fit a 99 box? i know my ig is the old one cause the red paint is still on the screws.

Brian

Brian, Not long ago I had a problem with my ignition switch. Whole lock replacement would cost ~$500 at the dealer ($170 for the part alone). If you want to replace the whole lock yourself you can buy it at Sunset Imports for about $80 (follow the link under "Porsche Parts at Dealer Cost" on this forum). You can buy the black plastic German made switch in Autozone for $32 (local or on-line). You can also buy it in other on-line autopart shops for as low as $12 but they are made in china and some times don't last too long. <_<

The replacement process takes about 15 minutes (if you are slow ;) )