aap

I was a good boy and checked FAQs first! Couldn't find anything so...Woke up to a gorgeous moring in NJ put the key into my 98 C2S (for the only the third ride since the snow melted) and it wouldnt turn. I tugged on the steering wheel a bit, which in some cases will "break" the sticking point but the wheel was not locked. I played with the key (pulling it out just a bit) and then attempting to turn it for 10 minutes until finally it turned. Is this common? Should I make an appointment with my local shop to have a new (something) installed? TIA!

Tim Ashfield

Hi aap,

Welcome to the board <img border="0" alt="[burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />

Have you checked your key against your spare or indeed tried to use the spare to see if your normal key has somehow been damaged?

If all OK with that I can only suggest that you try lubricating the lock mechanism to see if it frees something off. Failing that sounds like a dealer job. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

aap

thanks for the advice tim. Have not yet tried spares. will do!

Firren

I got that exact same problem yesterday while going home from work. Irritating! Finally, after wiggling the key it turned... phew!

tried spare key when I got home, very interesting: it works in one way, but not upside-down. Now, I tried lubricating it with a light oil, no change. My first guess is something ugly somehow got in there and is now jamming the block, but works when one of 2 identical keys is inserted in the correct way. Hm. Alternatively something is very broken in there and it's off to the local porsche dealer to fix == expensive .

How difficult is it to remove the whole assembly? can't be that hard to change it by myself (might even write up a DIY)?

any ideas and suggestions are highly appreciated!

Best regards,

Anders

amfp

I had this problem with my prior 911, what I did was spray compressed air down the key slot (the compress air you use for camera lenses), than used powered (not liquid) graphite, inserted the key a few times and than wiping the key with each removal. Overall that helped solve my problem. As mentioned can be worn key too, or one that was not cut properly from the master.

zffnhsn

It might just be the steering wheel lock. Just rock the wheel left to right while you turn the key. The first time it happened to me I had just bought the car. A valet delivered the car handing me the key in exchange for a gratuity. When I got in the key wouldn't turn. I spent the next 10 minutes pouring over the owners manual looking for information on theft deterent systems and the like. Duh!

Firren

still have not tried the compressed air trick, will do during weekend, if that does not work it's probably off to the dealer for a discussion around new keys...

zffnhsn: it's not the steering wheel lock, which I hoped it was, but after wiggling the wheel and looking very suspicious indeed ("what on earth is that guy doing in that 993....??") and swearing at the d*mn immobilizer/alarm system which apparently engages automatically after a few minutes I found out that one key out of two works in one way, and only one way. Very strange indeed, but feels like a overused-key-problem (at least I hope it's that...)

Firren

update on the sticky ignition problem: I lubed the ignition with a light oil and went for the "key that does not stuck" for a week. And it still only worked in one way.. ah well. I finally got tired of it this weekend and went to the local Porsche Center, keys, car, everything. On the parking lot, just before going inside, I tried all keys, all versions.... and voilà, all the keys worked... If this is due to the oil finally doing it's trick, or the car being very afraid of a mechanic, I don't know. Anyhow, it all works again, so now I can deal with the sticky clutch, the squeaky windshield, the leaking valve gaskets.... gotta love these cars!

Franklin229

I have the same intermittent problem-(IT IS A PAIN IN THE @#$!) with both keys, one of which I hardly use-so it's not a worn key issue, nor is it a steering lock issue. Shhesh-of all the issues one could have with a car-this one bites.
I'll try the powdered lube/compressed air trick.

Firren

Franklin: this sounds very much like my problem (which might come back? I'll threaten the beast with another visit to Porsche Center if it does not behave!). Good luck with the lubing/compressed air combo! I got the distinct feeling that replacing the ignition mechanism is quite costly...