tough starter key problem.....

I have a weird one here guys,

Occationally, my 84 Cab will not turn over at all. The key truns on the ignition, the indicator lights are all on, but the key stops where it engauges the starter. If i turn the stearing wheel a bit, the key will engauge the starter! It seems like the wheel lock(if it has one) is waiting to be in the right position before the starter will engage. This morning it would not start in any wheel position. Then mysteriopusly it worked! I believe that I either have some gremlins in the system or there is a lock out in the ignition switch that has become non opperative. Any isead out there??

Thanks

Steve
'84 Cab

From your description it sounds like your ignition switch is surely the culprit. By the time the key gets to the on position it has already unlocked the steering, would not be good if it worked the other way. The spring loaded start position is just after the on position. I purchased a new ignition switch to solve it, but have not installed it yet since I have not had it rekeyed the same as the doors. If I jiggled the wheel while trying to go into the start position after turning lock to lock it would go into the spring loaded start position... sometimes. After a few particularly embarassing instances, I resorted to the track solution -- Starter button, T'd off wires on the back of the ignition switch. Very reliable.

Check out this thread for a possible culprit:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/ultimate/Forum3/HTML/004981.html

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Jack Olsen
1973 911 T (3.6) sunroof coupe
jackolsen@mediaone.net

I had this same problem with my '85. I went to a lock smith, he recut my key. I told him I have the same problem. He then gave me a bottle of (dry) graphite to squirt in the keyhole. I did this. Tried the key. Worked better. Did it again (squirted it good). I have not had a problem since.

Good luck


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Nick Hromyak
'85 Carrera

I performed the interim recut key, compressed air and graphite spray enroute to total failure. I should install that new switch since it was a pricy item. It is just that the track solution seems to be one small part of the evolution.

Alan

The ignition switch electrical portion was changed in my '73T (see Jacks reference to my problem - BRose). Luckily I had some great help from a fellow forum member in Atlanta who was kind enough to help change it out. It was tough enough to get to those damn little retaining screws and harder yet to put it back on, but with varying experiments with different screwdrivers, we prevailed. The difference is very noticeable and actually enhanced start up ten fold. I was told that the springs are in the unit but when we took it a part I noticed three deep set scalloped grooves that identified the three key positions. A mated male spring loaded end was what directed the contact points. Mine were worn down!!! Hard to believe a C2 would have this problem so early on. The part I purchased which covered thru the SC models only cost $50.00. I do not know what kind of access you have to get to this little jewel but if you can get to the two retaining screws it may be worthwhile to change it out. Good luck

Sailor
'73T