Cannot insert ignition key - 2008 Boxster

[Super 90]

Hi guys -

Small problem with my 2008 Boxster S. Ignition key will not insert into ignition slot. Neither key will. The computer recogizes each key with a "Key number 1" or "Key number 2" displayed on the computer under the tach, but neither will insert.

The steering wheel is locked and it doesn't help to move the steering wheel back and forth as you try. There is something in the way, inside the switch. It will go in about a quarter inch and you can turn it a little bit each way, but nothing will activate and it won't slide all the way in.

Of course the problem is also compounded by the fact that it's a Tiptronic and it's also locked in Park.

Fun times.

This is a certified pre-owned though, just a couple months into the warranty... and I guess they're going to be paying for some towing too. It's going to be a lot of fun trying to get it out of the workshop also, locked in Park like it is. Hm.

At the moment, I am longing for the old days. My 911SC rolled just fine in neutral.

Any ideas out there in Porsche-land? (I searched for old topics and found one identical, but no solution or follow-up was posted. No information of use there.)

[bell]

It is most likely just the electrical portion of the switch, easy to Change and cheap, available through pelican.
You can confirm that's the problem by removing the old switch first, then confirm the keys turns properly.

1.....pop out vent tube under dash
2.....unplug ignition switch
3.......using a very thin flathead screwdriver unscrew the 2 pointy screws which clamp the ears of the switch....
4.......pull out switch....

The 2 small screws have a loctite type substance which your screwdriver will chip out just by inserting it.....

[Wayne 962]

I've got a tech article on this too:

Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Ignition Switch Replacement - 986 / 987

-Wayne

[Super 90]

I thank you so much, kind sirs! As the proud owner of a Porsche certified pre-owned conveyance, I'm gonna let them worry about it! They'll pick it up on Monday and they'll call me when it's done.

When this happens when it's off warranty, I'll be digging in and soing to work to save the $$ for sure.

Neverthesesss, I'll post my follow-up here so everyone gains a bit of experience through my misfortune.

I did talk to the dealer's service department guy a little while ago (open on Saturday!)... he had me try the little button release thingie on the ignition ring, but he said he hasn't seen exactly this problem. It didn't help. He said that as long as it's all warranted, have it transported in.... which I will do.

Now, I'm going to enjoy my Sunday, despite the fact that the Boxster is out of commission for a day or so. First really nice weather we've had in the P.N.W. in a long time, too!

[Super 90]

Update, for anyone interested... flatbed truck picked up the Boxster this morning and took it to the dealer. Busted ignition switch. They just said something inside it was broken and they're putting a new one it it. That's it. They're reprogramming my two keys (or the car - whatever they have to do).

The dealer said this was not a common problem - he only remembered one Cayenne with a switch broken like this, and it was because someone had jammed a Land Rover key into it. Well... not in my case. Something must have just given up inside the switch and jammed it. It was weird because you could put the key in about 1/2" and rotate it each way about a quarter turn, with nothing happening inside the switch. The dealer also said most all of the cars use a common ignition switch, which makes it easy. Makes you feel good to know that your cheapie little Boxster has the same ignition switch as one of those danged expensive 911s.

I'll tell you one thing though - be careful of tow truck guys. The first guy got here and spent an hour working on his equipment in my driveway and finally said he had to go get a different truck and it would take a couple of hours. He was not confidence inspiring.... I wasn't going to like trusting the car to him. His English was not good, and when I asked if I should just call someone else he said, "ya, hokay".... I called Porsche back..

The 1-800-PORSCHE roadside assistance works really well. They had a second dealer-recommended guy here within the hour. They hadn't sent him in the first place because he was tied up this morning when they called him. Anyway, he had a tilt-bed truck. He put some slider things under the rear wheels of the car and pulled it aboard the truck with padded chains connected to the rear control arms, since the rear wheels were locked in "Park" (tiptronic). Very nicely done. He used padded chains through the wheels to secure the car and it off he went.

[mikefocke]

Given that they had to yank on the control arms, might want to hit them up for a rear alignment check too. I get nervous of anything attached to the suspension bits let alone pulling the weight of the car by them to maybe 4 feet in the air. They were supposed to use the tow hook according to the below guide inserted behind the rear license plate.

AAA has a guide to flatbedding a Porsche available to their tow truck drivers on their site I used to carry in the car, never used it but just a security blanket.

Here

[paulv]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

.....................

AAA has a guide to flatbedding a Porsche available to their tow truck drivers on their site I used to carry in the car, never used it but just a security blanket.

Here

Mike,

Thx for posting this -- I'm going to follow your philosophy and keep a copy in the car!

Regards,
paul...

[Super 90]

Just fyi, they didn't lift the rear of the car at all - they simply slid it onto the flatbed. There were slippery "wedges" under the rear tires that allowed it to easily slide - similar to the types of things they put under appliances when they pull them out for service. I don't think there was any significant stress put on anything.