ignition switch - expected behavior

[NikosF]

I had an issue a while back i posted about - https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/992848-ignition-key-issue.html,

and had a new key cut from the code - which seemed to work great. I also bought a used cylinder and had it re-keyed by Sierra Madre. I was nervous to install it though because while it turned, it didn't seem to have a reistance point beyond which the starter motor would kick in.

I now seem to have the same problem in my car with the original - it turns fine to the ignition on position - but there is no way to turn it further to activate the starter. What's killing me is that last night it worked fine.

Am I going crazy, or do they both have the same problem, and is there in fact a 'resistance point'?

Thanks,
Nikos

[Superman]

Others will know FAR more than I about your question. That said, according to my understanding, if a new ignition switch is used and the key fails to turn far enough to engage the starter, then this means your ignition tumblers are worn and need to be replaced.

[john walker's workshop]

Take the tumbler out and remove the spring and pin at the bottom. The pin catches on the ramp.

[spuggy]

Originally Posted by NikosF

I had an issue a while back i posted about - https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/992848-ignition-key-issue.html,

and had a new key cut from the code - which seemed to work great. I also bought a used cylinder and had it re-keyed by Sierra Madre. I was nervous to install it though because while it turned, it didn't seem to have a reistance point beyond which the starter motor would kick in.

I now seem to have the same problem in my car with the original - it turns fine to the ignition on position - but there is no way to turn it further to activate the starter. What's killing me is that last night it worked fine.

Am I going crazy, or do they both have the same problem, and is there in fact a 'resistance point'?

Thanks,
Nikos

JW's response about the spring & pin is very interesting - and seems almost certain to be your problem/solution; my lock tumbler either never had one, or was long since removed by a PO - it just turns entirely freely once you detach the electrical portion.

The detents - clicks - in the ignition positions, as well as the spring resistance against "Start" - are all in the electrical switch. You could try detaching it and check that it behaves as expected with a screwdriver. I guess it might be possible for that to mess up internally - although it seems to be more usual for the contacts to arc inside.

The late electrical switch - the 964 part, as opposed to the 911 one that used to be double the price before going NLA - has an internal mechanical lockout for "Start" - once you've hit it the first time, you have to turn key back through/back past "On" before you can hit it again.

I hate that... Keep meaning to open one up and see if that's easy to remove...

[Coastr]

Originally Posted by spuggy

JW's response about the spring & pin is very interesting - and seems almost certain to be your problem/solution; my lock tumbler either never had one, or was long since removed by a PO - it just turns entirely freely once you detach the electrical portion.

The detents - clicks - in the ignition positions, as well as the spring resistance against "Start" - are all in the electrical switch. You could try detaching it and check that it behaves as expected with a screwdriver. I guess it might be possible for that to mess up internally - although it seems to be more usual for the contacts to arc inside.

The late electrical switch - the 964 part, as opposed to the 911 one that used to be double the price before going NLA - has an internal mechanical lockout for "Start" - once you've hit it the first time, you have to turn key back through/back past "On" before you can hit it again.

I hate that... Keep meaning to open one up and see if that's easy to remove...

This is all true - my advice is to pull the barrel out, and turn it while putting pressure. Turn it backwards and forwards and see how the action works. Sometimes it just needs a tweak or a part out of place.