About 1000 miles ago I had the ignition switch fail, as in key stuck at times. It was replaced under warranty. Now out of warranty and the switch is bad again. It's been a year or so, but again only 1000 miles ago and the dealer said NO, not under warranty, and it will cost me ~$400.

This seems unfair that it should go out again so quickly. Who's to say that in another year it will go out again. Question is, what would you suggest I do at this point? Should I escalate to a regional mgr., or do you think I have a reasonable argument?

I know to some, $400 is nothing, but to me it is, and it's the principle.

 

I would think they should have a warranty on their work.

Out of curiosity, how many keys are attached to your keychain?

 

Just one key + fob. I'm sure they could claim that the warranty on their work timed out if they wanted to.

 

I bought a replacement ignition switch from Suncoast I think, for about $170. I disassembled the dash and replaced the switch myself. It took about 1.5 hours as I recall. I'm sure I could get it done in less than an hour now that I know how to disassemble that part of the dash.

I only needed a phillips #2 screw driver and a couple of torx keys. I think the thing that held me up the most is there was one more screw near the door that I didn't see.

Derek

 

Thanks Derek! So I'm guessing that the switch doesn't have traditional tumblers that have to marry with the key. If that is so, then I'd be game to DYI.
I think I was a bit aggravated to begin with because the dealership quoted $400 for the battery, which was $150 at Batteries+. Then the $400 quote for the switch was beyond my threshold for something that they just replaced.

 

I have a 2006 997 C2.

I don't remember if the '05 models had the new electronic ignition. So you'll need to verify for whatever year you have. If its electronic then there are no tumblers, the switch reads the code in the key.

Good luck, Derek

 

Mine, 997.2 is an '09. Anyone here done an DYI replacement?

Suncoast lists the switch, but also says that a special $50 tool is required. Any ideas?

 

Not sure what the special tool is...

Pop off the dash trim cover around the ignition switch. Spin off the plastic locking piece that goes around the key hole. I used a screw driver. Lay down and reach your arm through the back side of the dash (your elbow will be by the pedals) It's a tight fit but you can pull ignition switch out through there. Keeps you from pulling dash apart.
Good Luck!

 

don't porsche parts have a 2 yr warranty?

 

Well, that's what I thought too, however it was clarified...NOT if Porsche installed the part, which it was.

So, if they installed it, then it only has a short term warranty, if I install it, it has a 2 yr., unlimited mileage warranty.

 

I agree with you, it is a matter of principle.
I suggest the following.
Write a nice letter in regards to what happened.
Put a copy of the work order from your P dealer.
Take a picture of the current car mileage.
Send it registered to the Dealer/service manager with a copy to Porsche Customer relations North America.
I would put in there, if I wanted work that no one would stand behind I would take my car to the local garage/indy.
Of course word it in a nice way.
I had a 1200 USD issue with the dealer that sold me my car. 1500 miles away. The issue surfaced a year after I bought the car.
I sent the letter to the dealer and a copy to PNA.
3 days later the manager called me and everything "got fixed"
Magic!

 

Thanks you, I'm sure this is good advice, I just have to calm down a bit so I can compose something rational.