My second ignition switch has gone bad. The sign of the demise of #1 was that I could not remove the key...the dang thing wouldn't let go! Give me my key dammit! Not a good feeling when your car is parked in a public parking lot.

For about a week it has been difficult starting the car. All the dash lights come on but the starter is not turning every time I turn the key. Back and forth with the key and eventually it would start...sometimes the 1st time, sometimes the 12th, or anywhere between.

Did some troubleshooting this weekend: 2 different good batteries and same problem; bypassed the clutch pedal switch and same problem. Other weird things were happening while trying to start it...there was an ABS error. Then a PSM error. Oh crap...PSM/ABS unit is $$$$$. Then the spoiler went up while trying to start it. A/C unit's lights flash dim and bright. WTF???

Today I got my answer. Went through the multiple key turning game and the key went 360 degrees around! (like the exorcist) OK, so it must be my ignition switch. I have heard that weird electrical things will happen with a failing ign switch, like windows going up and down. I found out that there it a TSB about the early switches. In 2003 they changed the design. Since I have had 2 fail on me I am going to upgrade to the new design. I'll let y'all know how it goes.

 

cool man.. keep us posted.. mine is a little loose also.. will get it fixed under CPO

 

had mine fail after the dealer strong armed it and wouldnt own up to it. Have I mentioned NEVER go to LEN STOLER PORSCHE?

 

Huh, Amber has had the ig switch get stuck a few times but has never had the host of problems that Barney seems to be experiencing.

Keep me posted on how much the upgraded switch runs you, Chris.

 

Do yourself a favor and do the electrical AND mechanical portion of it. The whole assembly. It's not bad, and will be a lot less likely to re-occur than if you did just the electrical part.

 

The new/revised design switch is Part# 996 347 017 07. It is a one piece ignition switch/steering lock assembly (without lock cylinder). You reuse your original lock cylinder.

The original switch is a 2 piece design. The rear switch part is what fails. It is a cheap plastic unit that does not hold up very well. You can get a replacement for this plastic switch for under $30. Having replaced it once before about a year ago, I don't want to hassle with it ever again. I took my car to West Houston Porsche for repair. I don't have time to do it myself and need my car to be reliable so that was the best option. At least I got a Cayman S loaner!

 

Good choice. I just did one today, it would stick in the "start" position, and not allow any other electronics to function, since start mode locks out all electronics to allow full power to start the car.

 

How many hours did it take? How much more involved is upgrading the entire assembly vs just replacing the switch on the old style ignition? I hate working upside down!

 

I hear ya on working upside down which is why I don't do it when I can avoid it. It can all be done from the top, but I also have small arms which helps trmendously. One thing you can do, though I never have, is take out the instrument cluster to access the push pin and the bolt that holds it into the steering lock. There is plenty of room to slide it out the bottom without standing on your head. Send me a PM if you have any specific questions if you get stuck.
Post #400!

 

mine failed and was replaced with new part number above this winter.
Mine spun like the excorcist also without engagine anything.

MK

 

The original part is still made and can be purschased via Audi for near next to nothing... I replaced mine myself in a little under 2 hours for less than like 30 bucks if I remember correct.

 

If you read post #1 you can see that the original part has failed twice for me so I decided to upgrade. I do not want to keep replacing the darn thing every year or so. I want a permanent fix.

 

I read your post and I understand why you did what you did... understandable... I was just making note for the others that the original switch can still be bought for a significant amount less than the new Porsche replacement piece.

 

OK, I see. Yep, the replacement part for the older switch can be found on ebay for under $20! The new switch is about $125 and 2.5 hours to install.