This has started happening a few weeks back and it is consistent (meaning: it happens every time I turn off the engine and try to remove the key).

Please note: I have been driving this car for 2.5 years and it is my 4th 911 (so it's not like I just got into my first P-car and I'm not used to how the key/ignition combo is designed to behave, whatever that means).

I stop, turn off the engine and turn the key to the far left and pull. Nothing. 'The Sword in the Stone. Key won't budge. I have to fiddle with it three-four times back and forth, until it 'finds' a position that allows me to pull it out.

Any ideas anyone? I worry that the additional strain on the key fob from all the turning/twisting may cause accelerated wear/breakage of the fob, besides whatever else may be going on.

 

Maybe time for a new battery before the key gets "captured" permanently or at least until you change the battery. How old is your battery?

 

You mean the car battery or the key fob battery?
The car battery is 15 months old.

 

Sounds more like the ignition should be replaced.

 

re: ignition replacement?

Bummer. I will take it in for its 60K service (to an indy, considering the mods I made to the engine) in 2 months or so (and get brake pads and rotors done on all 4 corners as well). Should I be ok until then (I know, it's like asking 'if I had a sister, would she like cheese?' )?

Is this something that will get progressively worse?
Or (potentially more worrying), will it one day simply trap the key without prior warning?

 

I had a friend who got his key stuck in a jeep years ago. Had to have the column replaced. I would suggest some graphite powder asap...so long as its safe for car ignitions

 

Car battery - next I'd have dealer check ignition switch. Fob battery wouldn't come into play here.

 

auto or stick? Sounds like you car thinks you are still in gear.

 

Michaelwww: Stick.

 

I was going with sensor in shifter assembly but I dont think that applicable for sticks.

 

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...tion-lock.html

I believe this is the same problem on 996s.

 

Its the ignition switch. The mechanism that captures the key is wearing out and giving you a heads up. not expensive, but i would not wait any longer

 

Ignition switch is going bad. No way its the battery, mine was dead a few weeks ago and the key worked fine, car just didn't start.

 

Agree, most like switch. Your battery probably still had some juice, just not enough to start. With key in ignition and completely discharged battery, key will get stuck.

 

No Sh*t! Never thought that could be possible. So why does it get stuck?