Key Will Not Insert/Ignition Switch Problem?

[Max_The_Dog]

I went to start my 2006 997 today and I could not insert the key into the lock.

1) The car had not been driven in several weeks.
2) My first key can unlock the doors by inserting the key into the lock on the driver's side and by using the key fob. However, I cannot get the key to insert into the ignition.
3) The second key will insert into the ignition switch and turn. However, the engine will not turn over. I do not get any on the lights on the dash board that briefly flash when starting the car normally. For this reason, I don't think the ignition switch is recognizing the key as being present to start the car. I have tried turning the key with the clutch depressed and with the car in neutral.
4) The battery is good. The car has electrical power.
5) Both key fobs can lock and unlock the car.

I spoke to the local independent mechanic. They recommended that I take the car to a dealership. The local shop did not have the ability to re-key the car if new keys are required.

Should I try to replace the ignition switch first? I the nearest Porsche dealer is over 100 miles away. I would prefer to avoid this if at all possible. The instructions for replacing the ignition switch seem to be relatively easy. I have seen other postings that replacing the switch does not require a re-coding of any keys for the car.

Thank you all for anyone who has been in a similar situation.

[Max_The_Dog]

I replaced the ignition switch as described elsewhere last night. The car now turns over but will not start. I also have power to the accessories and the steering column will unlock. I'll continue troubleshooting and post lessons learned about the ignition switch change out later.

[Max_The_Dog]

Ok, for anyone reading this thread in the future:

1) Switching out the ignition switch fixed my problem. I was able to start the car (eventually). There are a lot of tutorials and threads out there. I think this was probably the best:

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Porsche_997/Ignition_Switch_Replacement/Ignition_Switch_Replacement.htm

I know this article is for a 997.2, but the procedure is the same for a 997.1.

2) The ignition switch is held in place by a zip tie that is anchored down. Some people carefully cut the zip tie. I carefully reached under it with a flat head screw driver and pried it up. If I had to do it again, I would try a trim tool first.

3) No key coding is required.

4) The special VW trim tool is not required. I used a generic trim tool to slide it around and unlock the ring holding the ignition switch in place.

5) Don't get discouraged if the car still struggles to start. My battery was drained to near zero and couldn't hold a charge. A portable battery kit could not start it. Finally, I hooked up jumper cables to the mighty family minivan, let it charge for good 15 minutes and was able to start the car.

Overall, I'm pretty happy. I don't have to tow the car several hundred miles to a dealer and I got it running by myself. Thank you to everyone on this (and other) message boards who posted enough information for me to fix it.

The zip tie holding the connector cable into place.





The hole inside the dash that the connecting cable is locked into.

[keitho64]

Nice Job, thanks for sharing what you did!