I have recently acquired an '01 996 Cab and am just starting to sort the car out. The other day I was unable to turn the key cylinder to start the car. After numerous attempts by jiggling the key inside the cylinder, I was finally able to start the vehicle.

Has anyone every experienced this problem?? Is it just a matter of shooting some Silicone Spray/WD40 inside the key cylinder, or do I have to have the cylinder serviced/replaced.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Try wiggling the steering wheel.

 

This is a common problem. There's a very good article on replacing the switch on Renntech's forum (the article has a bunch of photos): http://www.renntech.org/forums/index...with-pictures/

Get the part from Autohausaz.com http://www.autohausaz.com It's a whopping $9 plus shipping.

A Porsche dealer will likely want to replace the entire switch housing which will run $150 just for the part, plus their labor.

If the Renntech article helps you, please sign up and donate to their forum...it has a wealth of useful info!

 

these early model cars are notorious for ignition switch going bad...easy to replace....buy extra..it may breakdown again...

 

What 02TX said.
You can buy the part online or the link 02TX provided. It's a pain in the butt to reach but doable. Just loosen up 2 bolts and swap the switch. I bet yours is cracked around the plastic.

 

As geetee mentions, it is kind of a pain. But only because you have to stick your head under the steering wheel, facing up so you can see. Other than that, all you do is unscrew two screws with a SHORT screwdriver, and replace the part. Piece of cake. Unles, of course, you instist in using a NOT SO SHORT screwdriver like I did for too long... before going to the store and getting the right one

 

Please don't use WD-40. I would use graphite or LPS1 for a lube if you are going to use a lube on a lock. What ever you use DON'T use a lot. A little goes a long way.

 

+1 on the Ignition switch, I've been through a couple of them over 5 years.

 

I know everyone recommends swapping out the switch...
But I recommend swapping out the entire housing... you will not regret it.

 

Just wanted to give a shout out to this thread / forum and member 02TX996Cab... I did the ignition switch change and saved a bundle! Dealer wanted $350...side shop wanted $300...my total was $18.00 and 45min of my time!! I ordered the part from Autohaus on cyber Monday for 8.00 and about 10.00 shipping! The link that 02TX996Cab posted was a perfect diagram and after 45min I was done. (Took 15 min of time trying to get comfortable squeezing under the dash by the pedals lol.)

Thanks again!