Curses! key won't turn

[banjomike]

So even if I do aquire a new ignition switch, I'm stuck. No one has ever removed the switch before and it still has 4 rivits holding it in. I don't have a dremel tool etc. So...

how do I hotwire a 911? There are a lot more contacts back there than I have seen on other ignition switches. Does anyone have an electrical diagram for this switch?

[banjomike]

I've been out there for quite a while now and I got the key to turn the lock. Since the plug on the back isn't currently connected, I'm just gonna leave the key turned and in the morning I will plug it in and start it without returning the key to the 12 o'clock position, then I'll take it straight to my mechanic's and have him worry about those break-off bolts.

Thanks all.

[safecracker]

There is no need to connect the switch to the ignition housing when you want to start it. Now that the ignition key has unlocked the steering column, just turn the electrical switch with a screwdriver to start it.

[banjomike]

I didn't get the whole electrical switch out of there I had just unplugged the wire harness. I wasn't able to get to that screw on the top. Eventually I would have, but while resting my neck I tried the key once again and behold! a miracle.

Now I must pick up the switch from Ubiquity and get my car to my wrench in the morn, then all will be well in the world again. (assuming he can fix my other issues at a reasonable cost)

[Gordo2]

I had the same problem when I first bought my car. To make matters worse, the first time it happened I was in the parking lot with another motor head, trying to fire it up to give the guy a ride. He went back to work after waiting for around 5 minutes of me fooling around with the ignition (providing suggestions that I dare not repeat, he's an old Mustang collector/restorer).

I only got a valet key with my car so I ordered a new driver's key from a dealer the following day (around $50 with proof of ownership). The new key hardly looked like the old one (the edges on the old one were worn down to nubs).

Haven't had a problem with the new key, and I can lock my glove box and trunk as well.

Good luck,

Gordo

[TJK]

My 911 SC ignition switch has randomly started failing. The key always turns fine the first click, put sometimes will not turn the last click to power the starter. Wiggling etc does not seem to work, so I have to turn the key back to off position and try again until it works. Any ideas what is failing and how to fix? Tried WD40 but that was no help, and gather tumblers are fine since key can turn first portion OK.

[john walker's workshop]

fixing a sticking ignition switch

[TJK]

Thanks for the link - however I am not sure that will solve the problem I have. That link seems to specifically address the "steering lock assembly". I have no trouble turning the key the first click to release the steering lock. That works 100% of the time. It is the next click of the key to start the engine that is failing. Totally random - sometimes starts on first try, sometimes takes 20 tries. Something is occasionally preventing the key from turning that last click only - typically when someone is waiting for the parking spot I am trying to leave

[ClickClickBoom]

Originally Posted by TJK

Thanks for the link - however I am not sure that will solve the problem I have. That link seems to specifically address the "steering lock assembly". I have no trouble turning the key the first click to release the steering lock. That works 100% of the time. It is the next click of the key to start the engine that is failing. Totally random - sometimes starts on first try, sometimes takes 20 tries. Something is occasionally preventing the key from turning that last click only - typically when someone is waiting for the parking spot I am trying to leave

JW is correct, I just had the same issue. Its the stupid "one try at starting plunger", trust him he knows of which he talks! If the key initially turns from the locked position, but fails to go far enough to engage the starter, its the spring and pin that is the issue.
I removed the lock assy, took out the plunger and everything works great.

[porwolf]

I noticed some inaccurate key action with my worn key in the ignition also. It still works but it has to be inserted in just the right way. Then I rried one of the original keys that came with the car. That key is still in new condition. It works much better and has the solid feel of a new key and lock. The same thing happened to me with a worn house key. A newly cut-to-the-lock-number key works perfectly. So, it maybe not the lock itself but the worn key that is the problem. I would first try to get a dealer cut new key, not a copy of a worn key, before I start removing the ignition lock itself.

[TJK]

Just an update on this. After a really good lubrication by spraying lubricant directly into the ignition switch, I have not had the problem of turning the ignition a single time since (now over two years). Therefore, if like me you are a little reluctant to pull your ignition to pieces, I highly recommend giving this a try first!

[patz]

Originally Posted by SpeedracerIndy

That is the main reason I haven't replaced mine yet. How hard is it to re-key the ignition to your old key?

While it seems counter productive, "I" have replaced the ignition and the re-keyed the doors. The original key was worn out and the new ignition key was, well, new.

EDIT: Also if you have a worn key, consider having Tony E the Porsche key guy to do a new key. He takes your old key, checks his book and cuts a new per the specs. I then he can work off a high resolution pic.