Brief engine and electrical cut out - ignition switch?

Today on a vigorous New England foliage drive in my 2001 S, while cruising along at mid throttle, the engine and radio briefly spontaneously cut out, no other symptoms (or warning lights?).... we proceeded normally for the rest of the excursion. Battery connections are OK, should I preemptively replace the original ignition switch as a precaution? Anything else to check?

- John L
Boston

replacing the electrical portion (which is approximately $8) is a good precaution and very well may be the problem.

Thanks. I've got the original '01 lock mechanism, so according to Pedro's DIY (http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site_3/Replace_Ignition_Switch.html) I can use the Audi part #4A0 905 849 B. Looks like there are also a variety of aftermarket suppliers too... any suggestions on which brand (OEM or other) to use?

... are very cheaply made in China.
You get what you pay for.
I've seen a couple of those break upon installation.
Generally the more expensive ones, in the $15 - $20 range are made in Spain (SEAT) and sol by Audi and are like the OEM.
Happy Boxstering
Pedro

Pedro Bonilla
1998 Boxster 986 - 311,000+ miles: [www.PedrosGarage.com]
PCA National Club Racing Scrutineer - PCA National HPDE Instructor - PCA Technical Committee (Boxster/Cayman)

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Racecar spelled backwards is Racecar

"Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting" ... Steve McQueen as Michael Delaney in "LeMans"

"If you wait, all that happens is that you get older"... Mario Andretti

"Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose" ... Ayrton Senna

I've replaced about 8 of them. My data points are not statistically significant. But the Chinese made ones were the only two that lasted well. My dealer-supplied unit lasted < 7 months. Another was DOA. I don't believe there is any difference. The fault is design, not manufacture apparently.

Grant

Grant

gee-lenahan-at-gee-mail-dot-com

I'm still on my original on my 01!

OTOH i put 4 in my mom's 1995 C4Q (OEM + 4 = 5 total)

Last one (cheap, Chinese origin) lasted from about 2005 --> present.

Grant

Grant

gee-lenahan-at-gee-mail-dot-com