Ya, sounds like you have the same problem; this is very common. The part is shared with Porsche/Audi/VW, so you can get it from any of them. I got the switch online for like $20 and did it myself with the guide somewhere (I think I linked to it above). That fixed everything for me for about 2-3 months, but the new one just broke yesterday. The problem is with the switch design, super cheap plastic crap part, and the ignition lock mechanism it fits into. Some people seem to get lucky with just the new switch, but if you keep chewing through them, you will need to replace the lock mechanism (to the newer 997tt version I believe) so that you can use a different switch that won't keep breaking. There is also a DIY for that, but I passed. It took Porsche a solid 2 hours to get this done for me and total cost was $525 actually (they gave me $50 off the quoted $575 for some reason, I'll take it!). Hopefully, this solves that problem for good.

 

I had the same problem, repalced the lock, now no more problem.

 

Well i just brought my 04 996 yesterday but i have this problem ( so must be an early 04 ) having read the forum on the lights, surely the first thing to mention is that buying a part for $10 - 20 obviously not a genuine Porsche one - had you of spent $50 on a Porsche item it would probably of lasted at least 5 years

great forum and very helpful - new to Porsche not new to cars or classics

Shane - in the UK