Key / ingnition trouble
 

Sometimes I can't get the key to turn in the ingnition, and I mean it won't turn at all. It's like when you have the steering wheel locked and you have to move the wheel a bit to turn the key only turning the wheel doesn't help. It happened a couple times earlier this summer and I would just pull the key, turn it around and that seemed to solve it. Now it's started happening more frequently. Today I thought I'd start using my valet key and it still did it once but only fought me on one try then it turned as it should. Last night I fought it for 5 mins before it finally turned. I sprayed a little lube in there today so we'll see if that helps but I'm afraid I may need to replace the mechanicals.
I did a search and found folks having trouble with the key turning to freely, but nothing about it being "locked". Any input would be appreciated - i.e. replace, repair, new key? Thanks

the problem may just be sticking tumbler pins. Liberally spray electrical contact cleaner inside the tumbler through the keyhole (hold a rag under where you are spraying). Then, squirt a small amount of dry graphite powder into same. Both of these supplies can be bought at a Home Depot or FLAPS.

Happened to me to.

I disassembled it completely, cleaned it, lubed it and reassembled it.
Only thing i found was the tumblers were gummed up. That and the key is pretty well worn.
The spare key works a little better.

Try this as a first step:

spray some brake clean in (hold a rag under it to catch the drips) when the spray comes out clean give it a good soaking with graphite lock lube.
Mine's been working fine since the cleaning.

graphite....

Doyle

I had the same problem with my '82 SC...the key was really worn...the long term solution was to replace the ignition switch. I got lucky and was able to buy one for a very reasonable price from another Pelican. Just like new now.

Thanks Gents.
I'll try the graphite/ elect lube route first, then if needed, disassembly, and see where that gets me. Last resort will be a new/used switch. I hear the bolts are a b%^$ch to get out.

Mine is the same way. a lil lube worked wonders...I'd also avoid heavy key chains, they just accelerate wear.

I wouldn't use graphite at all. A strong dose of 3M brake cleaner while holding white rag under lockset. You'll catch black grime drip goo. Graphite just adds new grime. Once it runs clear spray WD-40 or Rem Gun oil to lube. Relube each spring cleaning.

Does the key work well in the door lock? My key was in terrible shape and making a duplicate was no help. I took the tumbler from the passenger door to a locksmith who was able to decode the lock and cut a key from the code. It is the same as having an original factory key.

Seth

Amazon.com: LOCK EASE GRAPHITE LOCK FLUID--5 OZ. AEROSOL: Home Improvement


This fixed it for me without spraying contact cleaner in it first.


http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/%28qoesx455cxwhslirfe2pva55%29/ProductDetails.aspx?SKU=13366

I had the same issue. I took out the lock to repair and gave it a nice little knock on my vice for good measure once it was removed. That got it working again. Then I went to a lock smith. They gave it a clean bill of health and recommended hosing down with triflow. I cut two new keys (just in case) and cleaned then lubed. Been working just great after. I think the graphite mixes with the old lube and causes havoc.

Larry

Come to think of it,..I've been told triflow is the cat's meow. Haven't used it yet......

Doyle

Just for info when the 964 was delivered new the spare key had grease on it from the factory.
It was a brownish clear grease. Nothing special...

I know this because the salesman at the local Porsche dealership showed me the "books" and spare keys to the new cars.
(1990ish)

If you've never pulled the tumbler out and examined it, it's well worth the effort. It's amazing how much gunk gets in there, and how easy it is to freeze things up. You can see how even some brake cleaner cannot get into everything. Once it's out and on the table, you can really get in and properly clean the 30+ year old lock, it'll work like butter when you're done with it.

It also gives you a chance to make your doors and ignition keys match if you've bought a used set ;) I took the pins from my old broken ignition and put them in the new used not-so-broken ignition, took 30 extra seconds.

So far so good. I cleaned it with brake clean and shot some wd in there. It hasn't hung up since so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks for the help.