Ignition Switch Failure?
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14,880
Likes: 2,801
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Ignition Switch Failure?
OK, did a search here and on 6speedonline, and didn't find much help in diagnosing my issue. From time to time, my car will not start. Turn the key, and nothing. No electric, no windows or radio, and importantly, no starter turning. It is an intermittent problem. I will then turn the steering wheel, or drift the car forward or backward a few inches, then it will eventually start. There is going to come a day when nothing will work however, because that's just what ends up happening.
Note - I did replace the clutch micro-switch a few months ago, and the problem went away for a bit. It could be I got a bad switch to replace a bad switch, but I doubt it. I think it might be the ignition switch on its way out. What are the symptoms of a failing ignition switch? The replacement job looks fairly easy from Philly Bruce's write up.
Note - I did replace the clutch micro-switch a few months ago, and the problem went away for a bit. It could be I got a bad switch to replace a bad switch, but I doubt it. I think it might be the ignition switch on its way out. What are the symptoms of a failing ignition switch? The replacement job looks fairly easy from Philly Bruce's write up.
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,555
Likes: 2,532
From: Atlanta
This is an odd one. Any codes being thrown? Can you tape or short out the the micro switch?
Hard to diagnose as this is not a common problem in my experience... other than that switch.
Peace
Bruce in Philly
Hard to diagnose as this is not a common problem in my experience... other than that switch.
Peace
Bruce in Philly
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14,880
Likes: 2,801
From: Pittsburgh, PA
No codes on it Bruce. I am thinking of over riding the clutch switch and seeing if the issue still appears.
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,555
Likes: 2,532
From: Atlanta
I suspect that switch is a simple open/close job. Pull it, and put a meter on it.... or a battery and light bulb... to confirm. Then just short the contacts in the plug with a stripped piece of copper wire and tape... or gator clips etc. etc. etc.
Peace
Bruce in Philly
Peace
Bruce in Philly
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,612
Likes: 424
From: Raleigh, North Carolina
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 871
Likes: 8
From: Fremont, CA
If you have no power until you move the steerimg column I would suspect the ignition switch or switch connection. Clutch switch failure you should still have accessory power just no starter engagement.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14,880
Likes: 2,801
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Thank you. I couldn't remember if that was the case with my clutch micro switch, and it was. I will order a new ignition switch and see if that hopefully solves the intermittent problem before it leaves me stranded somewhere.
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People
Verdad Gallardo
Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod
Verdad Gallardo
10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)
Joe Kucinski
Porsche Shakes Up The Nürburgring Lap Record Table Once Again
Verdad Gallardo
6 Ways the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Redefines Performance
Joe Kucinski
10 Wildest Homologation Specials Porsche Ever Sold
Verdad Gallardo
Super Rare RUF BTR III Comes Out of Hibernation, Looking For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Opinions That Can Start a Fight
Joe Kucinski
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,965
Likes: 689
From: San Francisco
Yea, its the ignition switch. Happened to mine. You get two symptoms:
1. Starter won't engage from time to time. Mine wasn't caught during the PPI because of that but I noticed it on the drive home. Prior owner told me I was an idiot and just didnt know how to start the car. Since this is intermittent its hard to diagnose.
2. The dead giveaway is a slight delay that starts to develop as you turn the key and when the starter engages (successfully). You may not even notice it anymore because it happens gradually. But you will immediately notice the difference when you put the new ignition switch in.
My indy replaced mine for $250 so I dont have the DIY, but I know its easy.
1. Starter won't engage from time to time. Mine wasn't caught during the PPI because of that but I noticed it on the drive home. Prior owner told me I was an idiot and just didnt know how to start the car. Since this is intermittent its hard to diagnose.
2. The dead giveaway is a slight delay that starts to develop as you turn the key and when the starter engages (successfully). You may not even notice it anymore because it happens gradually. But you will immediately notice the difference when you put the new ignition switch in.
My indy replaced mine for $250 so I dont have the DIY, but I know its easy.
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14,880
Likes: 2,801
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Was definitely the ignition switch, and I did the replacement today. The job sucks big time, but it is a DIY job none the less. I added a couple of additional tips to Bruce's excellent write up here: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...l#post15973490