Ignition/ Trunk release failure

[coasttocoaster]

I have a 2001 Boxster S (Tip, U.S.). The ignition switch failed last week with the usual symptoms. The car thinks the key is still in the ignition. Usual electrical gremlins. Key needed to be returned to run position after starting. I read the entire thread concerning ignition failure and ordered an ignition switch from E-Bay. It appeared to be something I can handle on my own. Now I'll talk about my problem.

Two days after I last parked the Boxter, my battery was completely drained. Now I can't get the trunk lid open.

I've followed all of the instructions in the user manual and in the Bentley guide for supplying power to the trunk lid switch:

- Inserted the key in the door to unlock it, and left the key in the door.

- Pulled the battery terminal contact point from the fuse panel as far as it will go.

- Confirmed that power is flowing from the battery I am using as the jump source.

- Attached battery cables with the proper polarity to the connection point on the fuse panel and the door striker.

Nothing I'm doing is allowing me to get the trunk lid popped so I can disconnect the battery and replace the ignition switch. Am I missing something here? Is there a workaround for this problem? My understanding is that a 2001 has an electric switch release so there is no emergency pull cable in the wheel well. Is this correct?

My next consideration is to remove the ignition plug from the back of the bad ignition switch (which presents its own concerns), then attempting to open the trunk lid and disconnecting the battery. Because the car thinks the key is still in the ignition.

Has anyone come up against this problem? I could use your help and I'm open to suggestions.

Would prefer not to see smoke and flames.

Thanks in advance!

Mark

Edited May 26, 2006 by coasttocoaster

[0586slb]

You may need to operate the dash mounted central locking switch either way a couple of times. You need to get the central locking so all doors are open, this then releases the switch interlocking.

You will still have an emergency release cable for the front lock.

[coasttocoaster]

^ Thank you for your response...

Turns out, I wasn't getting a proper ground from the door striker. As soon as I grounded to the doorstop bracket on the hinge side of the door, I heard the relay trip and was able to pop the trunk.

So I jumped the car, recharged the battery, disconnected the negative battery cable and left both the front and rear trunk lids ajar.

Just as I was finishing up for the day, a DHL deliveryman stuck his head in the garage door.

He had my ignition switch. Seven-day turn around from time ordered. I can live with that.

As I signed for the package, he walked around my boxster and asked me what I was doing. I just said that I was having a small Porsche problem. He chuckled and said;" I wish I had a Porsche problem".

Must admit it made me laugh and put some perspective on my day.

Thanks again

[coasttocoaster]

Changed out my ignition switch today! All is right with the world!

Thankyou for this board... Just made a donation.

Mark