michael

I recently purchased an 80 Euro S that came with only 1 key (the short non-alarm key). This one key currently works in both doors, the hatch and the ignition indicating to me that all locks are likely original. This key, however, is very worn.

Currently, to get the ignition to engage, I have to exert a lot of pressure "in" to the lock cylinder (as opposed to pressure to the right as you turn the key) to get the ignition to engage.

Is this a sign of a bad lock cylinder?
A bad key?
A bad (electrical portion of the) ignition switch?

I don't want to end up with separate keys for the doors and ignition - and I'd like to avoid replacing all of the lock cylinders throughout the car.

What are my options?

Can I get a new key for this Euro from Porsche (germany) with my VIN# and proof of ownership? Can I get a new ignition lock cylinder and have it keyed to the existing one?

What makes the most sense?

John Struthers

Mike,
Somewhere in the archives is a related post or two on the subject of an elderly "only key".
Someone bravely sent the lonely key off to have several replacements made. The key's were cut off of the 'old' one but apparently there was more matierial left on the new one's. This was not a bad thing as the poster said they worked much better ... like new.
This may cure the problem, give it a shot!
Otherwise, the single answer to your 3 part question could very well be ... yes.

Jim V

I had a similar problem with the ignition lock on
my '79 US.
What it turned out to be was wear on the shaft that drives the electricalpart of the switch from
the key cylinder.

Thom1

Michael,

You can get a new key from 928 Specialists with your vin number.

My key was having trouble opening the rear hatch lock. My Dad told me to sharpen the edges. I lightly knocked off the rolled edges with a point file. The problem went away. Since this procedure is controversial, you may want to get a new key before you sharpen the old one. I personally think that the sharpening will produce great results for you. Please let me know what results you obtain. <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

michael

Thanks for the input John... I appreciate it... more food for thought.

michael

[quote]Originally posted by Jim V:
<strong>I had a similar problem with the ignition lock on
my '79 US.
What it turned out to be was wear on the shaft that drives the electricalpart of the switch from
the key cylinder.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Jim - That's what it sounds like to me. I have a replacement for the electrical portion of the ignition switch... now I just have to see what the shaft is part of! Thanks.

michael

[quote]Originally posted by thomhross:
<strong>Michael,

You can get a new key from 928 Specialists with your vin number.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Hi Thom -

Not on a EURO car... Jeannie did tell me to try the ignition switch first (the electrical part) as that seems to be what fails most.

[quote]<strong>
My key was having trouble opening the rear hatch lock. My Dad told me to sharpen the edges. I lightly knocked off the rolled edges with a point file. The problem went away...</strong><hr></blockquote>

Interesting suggestion... I think that before I mess with the only key that I have that works I'll have another cut (as you suggested) and replace the ignition swithch and, if possible, the shaft from the lock. Thanks for the info.

Thom1

Hi Michael,

I would not own a car without a second key for long. It may behoove you to get a new one from your local Porsche dealer first. I imagine that they can get the Euro codes, and have keys cut locally. If not, who can? Try that key. Then try the sharpening. Then try more expensive solutions. <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

michael

[quote]Originally posted by thomhross:
<strong>Hi Michael,

I would not own a car without a second key for long. It may behoove you to get a new one from your local Porsche dealer first. I imagine that they can get the Euro codes, and have keys cut locally. </strong><hr></blockquote>

Hi Thom -

I agree with you... having only one key is a problem. Porsche US (PCNA) and their dealer network want nothing to do with Euro cars (for obvious reasons). 928 Specialists gave me the phone number for Tony Eugnio (610-461-0519) who has cut keys for folks at the 928 Frenzy in the past and suggested I could send him the key for duplication... but to insure the shipment (both ways) for $300 so that if it gets lost the insurance will cover a new set of locks. Also, 928 International has suggested replacing the lock cylinder SHAFT/CAM that connects to the ignition switch... and I'll do that as well.