won't start w/ short key
 

Good morning. I have an 85 and only the short key and the car will not start. If I want to obtain a long key to try and deactivate the alarm system, can I buy one of the long blanks off e-bay, and have a local locksmith cut it or do I really need to go thru Porsche with the VIN and buy one?


Regards

Charles
88 911 Cab
85 928

Probabvly no help at all since I've not had an alarm equipped model thru 3 928s (or sunroofs), but I'll give it a try...

1st, are you sure that you car has the factory alarm? Seem odd to get a car without all the keys. As far as I understand the factory alarm doesn't disable the ignition, just makes noise and flashes the lights; buit I'm far from expert on this.

As far as getting a key, I've obtained one thru Porsche once with no problem, but others have gotten a key that didn't match. It's far more common to get a correct key, but be aware that it might happen.

To get one cut local, I'd bring the key you have to the locksmith to be sure he can cut one before ordering a blank; I doubt the standard hardware store machine can cut a 928 key but a pro could likely do it.
Where you may find a problem (and I don't have an answer here), is whether the longer key is actually just longer to turn the switch, or if it's actually "keyed" too requiring an orig to copy.

What sort of "no-start" are you having? It's fairly common for the ignition elec. switch to wear out in time and give no starter function while still having the other functions.

Charles,
the no start situation sounds like an ignition switch issue, $50 plus an hour or so of your time removing the pod to get to the back of the switch (I suggest you remove the drivers seat prior to attempting this, or learn some yoga maneuvers)
the factory alarm on a 928 does not disable ignition, only makes lots of annoying noises

as for the key... contact Tony Euganeo, he's a former Porsche key cutter and has been cutting 928 keys for 25 yrs
after 4pm EST 610-461-0519

Thanks for the information.

I have since learned that he never had a long key, just a short one, but it does have a factory alarm. The car did start and run (welll) with the short key. Apparently the car wouldn't start one day and it has since been sitting in his garage (5 yrs). I have known the guy for ~15 years which is about as long as he has had the car.

The car will turn over but just not start. All the electrical items operate as they should. I had this probelm a while back w/ the 911, and had to replace the DME relay.

The car is still in his garage and I plan to go over and play with it this weekend.

Charles

the car turns over?
is the fuel pump coming on?
after 5 yrs I'd be VERY CAREFUL trying to start it, check the fuel pump and it's relay/fuse
drain the tank, fuel rails, pump, etc and fill with fresh gas
it also may have clogged injectors at this point