Notices
991 2012-2019
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Ignition Switch Won't Accept Key

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-07-2020, 07:42 PM
  #1  
jms911
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
 
jms911's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 3
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Unhappy Ignition Switch Won't Accept Key

I have a 2012 Carrera S with PDK. When I attempted to start my car, the electronic key would not slide into the ignition switch on the dashboard. Neither my primary or spare key would work. I tried jiggling the PDK shift lever (currently in "PARK") and turning the steering wheel (steering column is not locked so wheel turns both left and right) but nothing seemed to clear the issue. Key is communicating with car - locks and unlocks doors and sets alarm normally. I tried disconnecting the battery then re-connecting but nothing changed. Since car is locked in "PARK" I cannot roll it out of garage to get on flatbed tow truck. Is it possible that the switch is worn and that replacing the ignition switch will solve the problem? Would that require reprogramming of the keys?

UPDATE: This issue has been resolved. I determined that the key was removed from the ignition switch without the switch being turned all the way to the left - "OFF" position. After some gentle jiggling of the mechanism, I was able to turn the switch completely to the left. Now the key can be inserted and removed normally.

Last edited by jms911; 11-09-2020 at 02:45 PM. Reason: Add update for resolution of issue
Old 11-08-2020, 06:56 AM
  #2  
Fullyield
Drifting
 
Fullyield's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,744
Received 1,528 Likes on 949 Posts
Default

Your owner’s manual describes the procedure to manually unlock “Park” so you can roll it out of garage for a tow truck.
Old 11-08-2020, 08:38 AM
  #3  
LexVan
Banned
 
LexVan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Chicagoland Area
Posts: 26,141
Likes: 0
Received 5,412 Likes on 2,516 Posts
Default

I'd bet donuts to dollars you need a new battery in your 2012. Has it ever beeb replaced?
The following 2 users liked this post by LexVan:
koala (11-08-2020), sr5959 (11-08-2020)
Old 11-08-2020, 08:41 AM
  #4  
LexVan
Banned
 
LexVan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Chicagoland Area
Posts: 26,141
Likes: 0
Received 5,412 Likes on 2,516 Posts
Default

JMS911, this thread will help you. Regardless, if your battery is original, it's due. Good luck, and welcome to Rennlist:

https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...errerid=130056
The following users liked this post:
jms911 (11-08-2020)
Old 11-08-2020, 09:25 AM
  #5  
barncobob
Rennlist Member
 
barncobob's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 2,047
Received 748 Likes on 460 Posts
Default

if it has original battery, thats the problem like lexvan said
The following users liked this post:
jms911 (11-08-2020)
Old 11-08-2020, 01:16 PM
  #6  
jms911
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
 
jms911's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 3
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LexVan
I'd bet donuts to dollars you need a new battery in your 2012. Has it ever beeb replaced?
Yes - it was replaced by my indy mechanic on 18 March 2020 so it's been in service less than 8 months. I have a charger on it now - indications are that the battery is a bit low so that might be the issue.

Last edited by jms911; 11-08-2020 at 01:18 PM. Reason: type
Old 11-08-2020, 02:45 PM
  #7  
Jack F
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
 
Jack F's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,418
Received 765 Likes on 544 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by jms911
Yes - it was replaced by my indy mechanic on 18 March 2020 so it's been in service less than 8 months. I have a charger on it now - indications are that the battery is a bit low so that might be the issue.
If you get the car started, have the battery checked right away. If it’s failing, then have them warranty it.
Old 06-29-2023, 06:13 PM
  #8  
Eg3
1st Gear
 
Eg3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

This happened to me the key came out the ignition before the car was turned off now I can’t turn the key. Did you have to do anything special to get it back to the left. I tried a bunch of jiggling and it didn’t work



QUOTE=jms911;17011550]I have a 2012 Carrera S with PDK. When I attempted to start my car, the electronic key would not slide into the ignition switch on the dashboard. Neither my primary or spare key would work. I tried jiggling the PDK shift lever (currently in "PARK") and turning the steering wheel (steering column is not locked so wheel turns both left and right) but nothing seemed to clear the issue. Key is communicating with car - locks and unlocks doors and sets alarm normally. I tried disconnecting the battery then re-connecting but nothing changed. Since car is locked in "PARK" I cannot roll it out of garage to get on flatbed tow truck. Is it possible that the switch is worn and that replacing the ignition switch will solve the problem? Would that require reprogramming of the keys?

UPDATE: This issue has been resolved. I determined that the key was removed from the ignition switch without the switch being turned all the way to the left - "OFF" position. After some gentle jiggling of the mechanism, I was able to turn the switch completely to the left. Now the key can be inserted and removed normally.[/QUOTE]
Old 08-17-2023, 02:01 AM
  #9  
bhunter
Rennlist Member
 
bhunter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Richmond VA
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Ignition Key can't be inserted

Hello from Richmond Va

I have a similar but different issue ... nether of my key's can be inserted just about 3/8 inch into the ignition switch and the steering wheel remained “FIRMLY” locked in place.

The partially inserted key can turn the switch to the right and left but doesn't engage the starter nor release the locked steering wheel.


Observations & misc...
The battery is charged and the window drops when the door is opened
the display shows Mileage, speed, time and the radio lights up and operates, remote door locks

What doesn’t operate…
Windows, top, mirrors & horn



2009 Carrera S, 49,000 mi Convertible

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

Bill



Richmond Va


Old 08-17-2023, 10:08 AM
  #10  
duxsi
Burning Brakes
 
duxsi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,180
Received 188 Likes on 125 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by bhunter
Hello from Richmond Va

I have a similar but different issue ... nether of my key's can be inserted just about 3/8 inch into the ignition switch and the steering wheel remained “FIRMLY” locked in place.

The partially inserted key can turn the switch to the right and left but doesn't engage the starter nor release the locked steering wheel.


Observations & misc...
The battery is charged and the window drops when the door is opened
the display shows Mileage, speed, time and the radio lights up and operates, remote door locks

What doesn’t operate…
Windows, top, mirrors & horn



2009 Carrera S, 49,000 mi Convertible

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

Bill



Richmond Va
@bhunter
You may want to post your question in the 997 forum.
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum-113/
Old 08-17-2023, 10:32 AM
  #11  
Viper1000
Rennlist Member
 
Viper1000's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Hockley TX
Posts: 875
Received 215 Likes on 172 Posts
Default

I never take my key out of the car.....just the fob.



Quick Reply: Ignition Switch Won't Accept Key



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 12:35 PM.