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I have searched the forum for this topic but I haven't seen this come up. Does anyone know what this message is? It doesn't come on all the time, about every 4th/5th start. Only comes on at the start. I don't notice anything different about how it drives. When I took it to my mechanic when the light was on they noticed something with low electric and suggested a battery change (which it needed) but that didn't solve the problem. Mechanic is well respected in European cars and I trust him but he hadn't seen this before. Have not brought to dealer. Some facts about the car:
- 2008 C4S
- 24k miles
- bought two years ago with 17k miles
If your mechanic doesn't have Porsche-specific diagnostic equipment, I would take it to someone who does. It could be the ignition switch or steering column lock switch, or if there's a relay between them, or any combination thereof. I'd rather know the exact part to replace than make trial-and-error repairs which involve paying for unneeded parts and labor.
It is always bad when problems are addressed but in the end no feedback comes whether and how it was solved. Since the switch is unfortunately not the cheapest, I would first try to capture the error code with a diagnostic device. Alternatively, get a (used) switch and hope that the message is history. It looks feasable, not too complicated, see attachment. And please do us the favor and report back if and how the problem was solved.
Forgot to mention: Weak battery has of course to be ruled out as source for failure before!
Last edited by 8x57IRS; 08-02-2022 at 06:19 AM.
Reason: Charging
It's a 10 minute job to replace the switch. No special tool needed, pop off the circular face plate, open wide a pair of needle nose pliers and undo the ignition switch plastic nut. The cable leading to the ignition has one cable clamp holding it to the dash underside, and if you pop that out, you cam easily unplug and replace the switch. No programming, part must come from Spain (superseded the Bosch Australia one). Some have found the ignition switch at a fraction of the cost under a VW part number ($50 instead of $250). I did not find it. Someone on here had a rebuilt switch they were offering up either cheap or free, I recall.
While I never got an error, I did have a problem with the ignition not coming on regularly. It would take multiple key insertions and eventually it would start.
Thanks to a fellow Rennlister, I removed the switch (was tricky getting the ziptie off the harness!) and dismantled it (easy with a few tiny screwdrivers holding the tabs in). Gave it a good clean, a bit of silicon spray (silicon grease recommended but I didn't have any) and reinstalled. Starts first time, every time, now.
I figure the copper mechanism inside it get's stuck and needs a bit of R and R. I thought it was worth trying - those switches are very expensive!
If your mechanic doesn't have Porsche-specific diagnostic equipment, I would take it to someone who does. It could be the ignition switch or steering column lock switch, or if there's a relay between them, or any combination thereof. I'd rather know the exact part to replace than make trial-and-error repairs which involve paying for unneeded parts and labor.
i have replaced the ignition switch (very easy) but the problem persists. Has anyone replaced the steering column lock switch?
Ok, I found another thread and wanted to post what MIGHT be the answer. it MIGHT be the KASSY fuse, which is in the second row of fuses and is either the first or the third one in the row (both 15 amp). I removed them and gave them some time to reset. So far, so good, no error.
It is NOT the KASSY fuse in my case. Problem back in a day. I did find that I have a bad cell in the battery, so I'm hoping that might be the fix when it's replaced on Thursday.
I have now found that it seems to primarily happen in the morning, with a cold start and less and less once the car warms up? Does this help anyone diagnose it or know what to do to fix it? I've seemingly tried everything.
02-23-2018, 10:32 PM
Ignition Lock Faulty - Any help?
