Otto Mechanic

For the past 3 years I've been battling my ignition lock, which got jammed up when I used the wrong key on it. I've removed it and taken it to a locksmith to have a new cylinder/tumbler installed, but while it was there they removed the ignition switch and lost it.

So I bought a used one from a seller on eBay, part #964.613.012.00, which, according to the PET should fit everything from a 911 to a 968. Mine doesn't. My lock housing (the one that clamps on to the steering column) has indentations in it to make room for the security bolts holding it to the column and the switch doesn't have the matching chanels cast into it that would let me insert it in the housing.

All the pictures I've found on sites from eBay to Pelican show a switch exactly like mine. I don't think any of them would fit.

So, someone must have run into this? Is there a different part # for an '89 S2 ignition switch? I'd really like to get this car running again.


For clarity (I hope) Here's a picture of the cylinder housing (back side) the switch is supposed to fit it:


Location of difficult bumps in switch housing

Otto Mechanic

Does anyone have a readable guide to replacing this whole mess with a pushbutton starter? I'm getting sort of tired of this.

Otto Mechanic

Might be simpler to just have a machine shop cut channels in the ignition switch to make it fit? It was only $35 so if I ruin it, it isn't a huge loss. Still, it bothers me. It's an original Porsche part, so a person would think it's supposed to fit? I'm flumoxed.

On top of that, there're four other little registration divits in the housing that don't match the switch? This seems like a big departure from the PET. Porsche is usually pretty good about noting part changes?

Otto Mechanic

And happy Memorial Day to all of you? Mine isn't going as expected...

Kurt R

Wait, what does it look like if you remove those two screws and pull the two pieces apart? It looks like the switch came apart, and the metal half is still attached.

Otto Mechanic

And today's lucky winner is Kurt R! Congratulations Kurt! You got it!

Thanks very much. Those screws hold in some kind of flange or adapter that mates the switch to the housing. I took out the screws, removed the flange, and the switch went right in.

I really appreciate the help. Nothing quite like having another set of eyes looking over your shoulder. If you're ever in Paso Robles, I owe you lunch

Best Regards

jhowell371

Wow Otto, glad to see your wrong key odyssey may at last be coming to an end.

Otto Mechanic

The truth is, a week later I still haven't reinstalled the ignition switch, I'm in the last gasp of moving into the new shop in Paso and I'm busy with all sorts of moving stuff. It will be soon though Thanks for staying connected to the project.

Regards,