924Board.org

[michaelodonnell123]

Hey everybody -

Occasionally my ignition key does not always turn. It feels like a pin or something is blocking it from turning the car on. Moving [unlocking] the steering wheel has no effect on this. When this happens, I usually have to take it out and try it again a couple of times by wiggling the key a few times and it then finally it turns like normal and the car goes on. I am afraid that one day I wont be close to home and it won't turn no matter what I do.

Suggestions?
_________________
MOD
1988 Porsche 924S
2007 Jaguar XK
2012 Fiat 500

[Grenadiers]

My 924S SE does the same thing! I found that using the key one way, works. There's usually a 50% chance of picking the correct side. But, I've got that down to about a 10% chance! No casinos for me! I don't know why it does it either. I have a spare ignition, but that one doesn't turn the plastic part for some reason all the way to start. Might be what happens 'down the road' eh?
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'83 944 Track car.
'88 924S Track car.
'89 944 Turbo
2004 Winnebago Vectra monster RV
2012 Jeep Wrangler
2014 Kia Soul
2001 Ford F350 powerstroke

[michaelodonnell123]

I tried both sets of keys and they are not worn out they and they both have the same problem, it won't always turn the ignition. Sometimes I have to try it 5 or 6 times before it will go. I am thinking I might need a new cylinder and key set. Thoughts? Suggestions?
_________________
MOD
1988 Porsche 924S
2007 Jaguar XK
2012 Fiat 500

[michaelodonnell123]

Is it easier to try to install a new tumbler or just swap out the entire switch [mechanical and electrical] for a good used one.
_________________
MOD
1988 Porsche 924S
2007 Jaguar XK
2012 Fiat 500

[!tom]

I believe I had this symptom before and the advice was to replace the ignition switch.

I can't find a reference to the discussion though so my memory may be faulty.
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78 924 NA
5-lug

[unheardofinstruments]

any chance cutting a new key from the code could make it work again as the keys get worn
where are the codes anyway?
I know sometimes the drivers door lock barrel has a stamped number in other cars and a locksmith with a coed cutting machine can charge you about thirty bucks
_________________
There is more to heaven and earth than is dreamed of in your philosophy...

[Lefty]

Try squirting some graphite powder down the barrel.
Don't use a wet lubricant as this causes problems
Cheers
Lefty
_________________
One less beige car

[michaelodonnell123]

I wound up changing the entire ignition assembly. Three benefits from doing this: the new key works perfect, no wonky ignition issues in the future and my steering column is rolling on fresh bearings now.
_________________
MOD
1988 Porsche 924S
2007 Jaguar XK
2012 Fiat 500

[unheardofinstruments]

any chance cutting a new key from the code could make it work again as the keys get worn and it gradually fails
where are the codes anyway?
I know sometimes in other cars the drivers door lock barrel has a stamped number on it and a locksmith with a code cutting machine can charge you about thirty bucks for a new key (not a copy)
_________________
There is more to heaven and earth than is dreamed of in your philosophy...

[michaelodonnell123]

I had three sets of keys and all three were giving me a problem. The issue was inside the tumbler itself and not the key. It was just easier to swap the whole part out and be done with it.
_________________
MOD
1988 Porsche 924S
2007 Jaguar XK
2012 Fiat 500