Porsche 997 key won’t come out

[Mardiros]

2007 Porsche 911 Carrera S. Key will not come out of ignition. Originally did this occasionally, but got worse and worse until I had to regularly use the “rescue pick” to remove the key., Battery is fine, voltage is fine. Warning that car must be in “P”, even though it is already in “P”. Replaced the ignition switch-no change. Disconnected shift linkage at shifter, moved shifter in several positions. No change. PRNDL lights on dash illuminate properly. Checked shift cable- moves fine, not stuck, no binding. Transmission shifts fine too. Removed switch from the side of the shifter (996 613 212) and carefully removed the cover. The contacts were clean and looked fine. However, where the connector was soldered to the circuit board looked like it had two bad solder joints. I re-soldered all of the connector pins on the board, re-assembled & installed, it works perfectly!!

[rfuerst911sc]

Nice diagnosis and repair 👍

[OldSharp997]

Very nice!

[Lowo]

This is nice

[Mardiros]

Here are the rest of the questions that I couldn't find answers for: (1) The ignition switch is self contained, there is no housing and no mechanical connection to lock the wheel or shifter. All of that is electronic. There is no lock cylinder to change- apparently all Porsche 911 keys fit all ignition switches (same year and model), they just won't start the car unless it is recognized electronically. Bottom line, when you replace your ignition switch your key will fit and work in new switch, no alterations or programming. (2) The neutral safety or PRNDL switch is on the side of the shifter. No need to go under the car. The only thing under there is a shift arm and pivot where the shifter cable attaches. There are no switches on the transmission shift arm. (3) Removing the console--Remove the radio stack side panels on both sides. Remove the 3 screws under the mat in the rear console compartment. Remove the small cover in front of the Ebrake and remove the screw under there. Remove the cover at the base of the shifter--Using plastic pry tool, pry between the seam of the shift cover and the top of the chrome strip. The cover will snap loose, rear first, and you tilt it up and remove it. You can now remove the 5 screws under the shifter cover. Finally, there is a screw on the very front of the console on each side, under the dash. Disconnect the battery, because you need to unplug the console cable at the right front of the console, under the radio stack. If you don't, it will set an airbag code. You should then be able to lift the entire console up, rear first, and get it to clear the Ebrake and shifter, and take it out. Once it is out, the shifter, shifter switch, cables, etc. are all accessible. This all sounds scarier than it is. Not that difficult to get to the shifter and service it!