Porsche Boxster 986 Ignition Switch Problems – Symptoms & DIY Replacement

If your Porsche Boxster 986 is developing strange electrical problems, the key is becoming difficult to remove, or the ignition no longer feels quite right, the problem could be surprisingly simple: the electrical ignition switch at the rear of the ignition lock.

It’s a well-known problem on early Boxsters and, in many cases, replacing the switch is a relatively inexpensive DIY repair.

Common symptoms of a failing Boxster 986 ignition switch

• The ignition key becoming stiff or difficult to remove
• The key not springing back normally after starting
• The radio remaining on after the key is removed
• Dashboard or interior electrics behaving strangely
• Lights not switching on or off correctly
• Intermittent starting problems
• The starter sometimes failing to respond
• Electrical systems remaining powered after switching the car off
• A battery going flat because parts of the car remain powered

Several apparently unrelated electrical faults can share the same cause, which is why the ignition switch is worth checking before assuming there is a larger electrical problem.

Switch or complete ignition lock?

The inexpensive electrical switch sits at the rear of the ignition-lock assembly. If the problem is within this electrical switch, you may not need to replace the complete steering-lock and key-barrel assembly. Replacing only the electrical switch also means you retain your existing key and lock barrel.

If replacing the switch doesn't cure a mechanical problem with the key or lock, further investigation of the complete ignition-lock/steering-lock assembly may be necessary.

Which ignition switch does my 986 use?

There are different switches depending on model year and the ignition-lock assembly fitted to the car, so check the part fitted to your car before ordering. This is particularly important on cars that may have had an ignition-lock assembly replaced earlier in their life.

Shop the Porsche 996 / Boxster 986 Partworks ignition switch – £13.95

Replacing the switch on a UK right-hand-drive Boxster 986

A lot of instructions online show the job being performed on a left-hand-drive Boxster. On a UK right-hand-drive car, access is different. One established method is to approach the switch from above by removing the driver's-side dashboard air vent and a section of the ventilation ducting.

Tools you'll need

• T15 Torx driver
• PH2/crosshead screwdriver
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Small precision flat-blade screwdriver, approximately 3 mm
• Torch or head torch

A magnetic screwdriver can also make life considerably easier when working around the dashboard.

Step 1 – Remove the driver's air vent section

Close the driver's-side air vent before removing the surrounding section. The vent/dashboard section is retained by screws around the headlight-switch and door-shut/A-pillar area. Work carefully: the vent contains small plastic components that can become detached if the assembly is forced.

Step 2 – Remove the ventilation duct

With the vent section removed, remove the section of ducting immediately behind it. This gives access from above to the rear of the ignition-lock assembly. On a RHD Boxster this can be considerably easier than trying to reach the switch blindly from underneath the dashboard.

Step 3 – Disconnect the ignition-switch wiring

At the rear of the switch is the electrical connector. Carefully disconnect the wiring plug before attempting to remove the switch.

Step 4 – Loosen the retaining screws

The electrical switch is retained by two small screws. These may have factory paint or thread-locking compound around them. Do not completely remove the screws. Loosen them only enough to release the switch.

Step 5 – Remove the old switch

Once the retaining screws have been loosened, the electrical switch can be withdrawn from the rear of the ignition-lock housing. Compare the old and replacement switches carefully before installation.

Step 6 – Position the replacement switch

Before fitting, make sure the new switch is positioned at 0 / OFF. Reconnect the electrical plug and carefully slide the switch into its correct position in the housing. Tighten the two retaining screws.

Step 7 – Test before rebuilding the dashboard

Before putting all the trim and ducting back together, check that the engine starts normally, the key returns correctly after starting, the ignition switches completely off, the key removes smoothly, and the radio and other electrical systems switch off correctly.

Still having problems?

If the key remains difficult to insert or remove after replacing the electrical switch, or the lock itself feels mechanically damaged, the fault may be in the ignition-lock/steering-lock assembly rather than the electrical switch alone.

Need a replacement Boxster 986 ignition switch?

Stuttgart Spares supplies replacement ignition switches and electrical parts for the Porsche Boxster 986 and Porsche 996.

Porsche 996 / Boxster 986 Partworks ignition switch – £13.95

As always, check compatibility with your particular model year and existing ignition-lock assembly before ordering.

DIY work is undertaken at your own risk. If you're unsure about any part of the procedure, use a qualified Porsche specialist.