Ignition switch problem in Tip?

[Mark_Bennett]

I received an email today with the following question from an owner:

I have a Boxster 3.2S Tiptronic 2002. In Park the
ignition does not work but it does in neutral.
Clearly this is a faulty switch in the Park
position. My OPC say that likely to need new
multifunction switch (cost £500) but I doubt it
and would welcome experience of others.

I've not come across this myself - can anyone else advise?

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

The multifunction switch is a prime candidate. There is also a cable from the selector lever to the ignition switch which can also be a problem. A test with a PST2 would show up a m-f switch problem.

 

[Steve Brookes]

Mark, I remember seeing a similar issue raised on boxa.net, here's what was said:

"I had a problem with the ignition switch failing on my Box about 4 months back... took it to Strasse in Leeds who sorted that out but also said that tiptronics are prone to one of the link cables getting clogged with grime so sometimes it won't register that its in PArk.... they cleaned mine up at the same time for no charge.... hopefully its something as minor as that with you too..... what age is your Box?"

 

[Guest]

Followm up of my problem with ignition in 2002 3.2 Tip. I have taken it to OPC who advise that cable (from gear lever to multifunction is stiff. They advise dismanling and replacement of cable and multifunction switch total cost £680. Surely this could just be cleaned and lubricated? Anyone with similar experience?

 

[Rodney Naghar]

Either way, don't bother going to an OPC for the work to be done. Take it to a good local indi for a diagnosis and repair.
You will also find they won't charge you for a general check up and 1 litre of Mobil 1 as many OPCs do (both of which you never ask for, and costs ~£70). In my experience an OPC will always take the most expensive route to fixing your car, an indi will usually try and help you out.

 

[Indi9xx]

Sorry for jumping in.. I am a tech advisor for another model registry within PCGB and noticed this thread.

The reason for the high cost of ignition switch repairs is that Porsche are now selling a revised version of the ignition switch, which unfortunately requires the complete barrel and steering lock assembly to also be replaced. The parts cost about £400

Before they brought out this latest design for the new models, which for production reasons caused them to delete the previous part, they had cured the design issues with the very original switch assembly which was a common design fault.

The re-designed but now deleted part from Porsche is still available direct from the manufacturer of both this and the new official Porsche part and costs about £35.00

The original part with the design fault is also still available as its still used by VW/Audi and is slightly cheaper again, but will fail very quickly when used in a boxster with higher current drain than the Audi and VW that still use it... So avoid this one!

So it is possible to change the switch for much less than £600, but not through the official dealer network (as they are only allowed to fit the current official parts, but not deleted parts.)

Anyway, sorry to interupt where I have not been invited... I will go back to lurk mode... If any of you get stuck in here with a thread that could do with help, PM me and if its also ok with this registry admin, I will chime in and help wherever I can.