Steve Hamer

I've had a good search around and can't find the answer I'm looking for!

I have a 986 3.2S pre-facelift which I last drove just over a week ago.

When I parked it up, I locked it with the remote, but it has now gone to sleep.

Problem now is that the key won't turn in the door lock! - I can get the key in, but it won't turn, in either direction.

Last weekend it was fine, as I had to 'wake' the car with the key.

I suspect local kids have had a go at it, as I've had a few comments from them recently - but, more importantly, how do I get in now? - is it a job for a my recovery cover?

Thanks!

NuttyProfessor

First of all, sorry to hear about your predicament. This is one reason I park my 996 in the garage. We have lots of vandals around our neighborhood that would love to do stuff to my car. Anyway, are you saying the keyfob doesn't work when you hit the unlock button? Do you know if the battery is fully charged? Do you have a spare keyfob? The "sleep modes" on these cars can be problematic, that's why I leave my car unlocked in a secure garage. Both are insured and so if it gets stolen, then I hope they don't return it.

Macster

The electronics that recognizes a key door unlock command shuts down after I think 5 days.

Thus the only way to open the door is to use the key blade.

Do you have only the one key to try?

If not you need someone to come out and get the door open for you. An automotive club might offer this service. Call your local dealer and see if has anyone it can recommend. Last on the list some tow companies offer this service.

I've observed this done: A thin rubber bladder is inserted between the door glass and the door jam. The bladder is inflated just enough to open a gap that the guy can then use to slip in a plastic rod with a special hook -- he has a case of these of various shapes -- to grab and work the door handle. I believe the door handle has to be worked two times to open the the from the inside.

Be ready to insert the key into the ignition and turn the ignition to on ASAP. After the door is opened this way the alarm system goes off after I think 10 seconds and it is nerve wracking.

Steve Hamer

Answering both replies!

The remote isn't working as the alarm has gone into sleep mode, as it's 8 days since I last used it. I have 2 keys and have tried both in the physical lock.

So... Macster, looks like you're right. I'm member of the AA (Automobile Association) here in the UK, so can call them out if I need to. Not looking forward to triggering the alarm, though! Had enough issues with that when my battery started to fail earlier this year.

Needs to go to the specialist for some niggly jobs (window mechanisms and a microswitch) and a larger job (tiptronic torque converter solenoid) ASAP anyway. This is just another job to add to the list!

Steve Hamer

Thanks for the replies.

I've tried both keys, lubricated the lock and it just won't open.

Time to call the breakdown people to get me in! - I hate triggering the alarm, it's so, so loud.

I've been putting off taking it to my local specialist to have the window mechanisms and a door microswitch looked at, this will push me into doing it now!

Macster

When the door is opened if you get the key into the ignition and turn the key on -- no need to start the engine -- if you do this in I think 10 seconds the alarm should not sound. If the alarm sounds the key being turned on should silence the alarm.

You might want to before you insert the key open the front trunk so you can get at the battery should the alarm not be silenced with the key. Also, have at hand the tools to get at the battery and disconnect the battery in case the key doesn't silence the alarm. That is I don't think the engine has to be started but if it does and it doesn't start then the alarm just blares and blares.

aldo964

Probably doesn’t help, but I had a similar experience recently:
https://rennlist.com/forums/boxster-...ut-of-car.html
From what I went through I can tell you these cars are impossible to get in to without the key!

Steve Hamer

Thanks for the replies.

I could do with a quick and easy solution, even if temporary - as I'll be leaving the car on the drive whilst I go on a 10 day holiday this month! - so I'll *will* go to sleep again.

Can anyone tell me if there's any way to know if you have a 7 or 9 pin connector on the solenoid mechanism without gaining access to the car? - I'd like to order a lock and solenoid this week and try to get it fitted before we go away!