Tips to Deal With Ignition Lock Failure in Your Porsche

The Porsche name conjures images of luxury and style, and with classics such as the 911, it’s not hard to see why. Sleek lines, smart technology, and powerful engineering are all expectations with a Porsche. For many, this idea perfectly echoes the lifestyle of their dreams, making this manufacturer a popular choice for go-getters and professionals alike.

However, if you discover one morning that you can’t turn your key in the lock, or if you are left with a key which becomes stuck in the lock, it can leave you stranded and unable to use your precious Porsche until the issue is fixed. In this article, we will look at the part responsible for this potential nightmare: the ignition lock.

What is the ignition lock?

The ignition lock can be referred to as the ignition lock cylinder or the ignition lock & tumbler. The ignition lock typically refers to two parts, the key assembly (where you put your key) and the tumbler (what your key turns inside). The turning of the key in the ignition lock is the first signal to your vehicle that it is time to start, whether this is the accessory systems, such as the radio, or the engine.

Symptoms of Ignition Lock Failure

There are two key signs of ignition lock failure which are listed below:

1. Car Won’t Start

For many drivers, this symptom of failure can be the most concerning as, when your car refuses to start, your first though may always the battery or the engine. Most of us do not think about the little lock and tumbler that can have the same effect upon your vehicle. As we learned, turning your key in the ignition lock is the first signal to your Porsche that it’s time to start the engine. So if this signal doesn’t function, your vehicle simply won’t know that you’re asking it to start.

If this happens, it is important to stay calm. Unless you know what you’re doing, don’t poke around under the hood, as you may end up doing more harm than good. Try waiting a moment and reinserting the key. If nothing happens, then you’ll need to call a mechanic or roadside assistance. If your car does start, you should still try to seek professional maintenance as soon as possible, as it is a clear indicator your ignition lock is on the fritz.

2. Sticky Key

If you find it difficult to insert and remove your key, then your first step is to check your key over. Does it appear warped or damaged in any way? If this is the case, you should seek a replacement as soon as possible to prevent damage to the ignition tumbler or worse, getting your key stuck in the lock. If your key is spotless, then there may be small metal shavings from the key stuck in the tumbler which is impeding the motion of the key. Either way, you should seek professional maintenance as soon as possible.

Common Prevention Methods

There are some very simple things you can do to prevent ignition lock or tumbler damage in Porsche, the first is to avoid adding heavy keychains to your keyring. When you’re driving, these keychains hang off the key in the lock. This can put a strain on the key and cause it to warp the tumbler over time, resulting in some of the issues noted above. To avoid this, stick to one or two light key chains, or better still none at all.

Second, be gentle with your key. We’ve all had to drive off in a hurry before, but jamming your key into the lock and turning it roughly can increase your risk of warping the key or the tumbler. It can also leave behind the metal shavings, as previously mentioned, which can impede the smooth turning of the key in the lock.

Finally, it’s important to stay calm if your key becomes stuck. Don’t try to wrench it out, as you can cause more damage to the tumbler and even snap the key off in the lock. Instead, stay calm and take to time trying to extract the key, seeking professional maintenance as soon as possible after the event.

European Motor Cars

If you live in or around Las Vegas, NV, and have been struggling with ignition lock failure in your Porsche, then head on down to European Motor Cars. With competitive prices, friendly staff, and expert technicians, your Porsche couldn’t be in safer hands.