Getting the ignition key cylinder out...

I have the locking section out and am replacing it with the upgraded one. Problem is the key tumbler will not come out. I have tried it in every position numerous times with both a paper clip and a small screw driver about the size of a paper clip. It just will not come out. What does the paper clip hit to release it. Any other ideas before I take it to Porsche service and surrender my first born!

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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Ignition Switch Replacement - 986 / 987

[Wayne 962]

It can be difficult on some cars. You may want to jiggle the steering wheel back and forth. If you search the Boxster forum, you will find a few people who wrestled with this for ages, and then all of a sudden it popped out. You might want to spray some WD-40 in there, as that might help.

- Wayne

[kuche]

I have a 2001 Boxster S and the key has a lot of resistance, it starts fine but does not automatically return after starting. I just purchased the elctrical portion (and your book) after reading various forums but im not sure this will correct my problem it seems like i would need a new tumbler? Thoughts?

[tcora]

Originally Posted by kuche

I have a 2001 Boxster S and the key has a lot of resistance, it starts fine but does not automatically return after starting. I just purchased the elctrical portion (and your book) after reading various forums but im not sure this will correct my problem it seems like i would need a new tumbler? Thoughts?

The electrical portion of the assembly has the spring which causes the key to rotate from the start position to the run position, etc. When it goes bad it will cause the tumbler to rotate out of line and will make it difficult (in some cases nearly impossible) to insert or remove the key. The job looks harder than it is, took me under an hour and I have short, fat fingers.

[kuche]

Thanks - i'll give it a try.