I've owned my 2000 Boxster S for about 3 years. The car has been great but didn't have many service records available with it. Not long after I purchase the car, I added an ignition switch as a 'just in case' to an order I was placing online for some other odds and ends.
Well, last Friday my car gave the first symtom of an ignition switch problem...the radio would not turn off after I removed the key and the chime to remind you to remove your key or turn off your headlights was chiming when my door was open, even though the key was not in the ignition, nor were my lights on.
"No problem" I thought, feeling pretty dang smart, having been so proactive in previously ordering a replacement switch, and still being able to find it in my garage after three years.
Sunday I figured I'd take an hour and tackle the job. Well, it turns out that my entire ignition switch assembly must have already been replaced once as the part specified for my car did not resemble the one I removed, nor did it work when installed. Luckily, I shot the switch I removed with contact cleaner and reinstalled while awaiting the correct part (from a 2004 and up Boxster) and it now works correctly. I picked up a new part today at NAPA ($13.76)and will install it at some point when the bruises on my back heal from Sunday's work.
Before you start, you might want to crawl under your car, and remove the horizontal A/C duct and see what switch you have...yours should be black. If it is white (like mine), it is from a later year car and you need to order the same kind. Sorry but I don't have the P/N's handy. They are referenced on Pedro's DYI write up.
I had a heck of a time trying to loosen the top set screw while laying on my back. I couldn't see the set screw and when I was on it, i could not generate enough torque with the jewelers screw driver to turn the darn thing. I finally gave up and removed the left vent assembly and its A/C duct, which made access much easier.
Get a variety of small screw drivers to mess with...a stubby flat head with a decent handle works best. I ended up using a screw driver that I added some 'ears' to with JB weld, which made it much easier to turn.
Good luck.
dghii
2000 Boxster S 6speed 112k miles