Ignition distress

[mickmohr]

Some idiot (me) inadvertently inserted his Toyota Tundra key into the ignition of his '06 Boxster. It obviously wouldn't start the car, and now the Porsche key cannot be inserted into the ignition. I guessed it might be some sort of anti-theft mechanism and drained all power from the car hoping to reset the computer but that had no effect. The computer displays a "Key 2" message. Well, I loaded it on a flatbed and hauled it off to the Porsche dealer and he feels that the steering wheel lock is bad($780! including labor) and the wrong key insertion was just the straw that broke the camel's back. Sounds like baloney to me. Has anyone else ever experienced a similar problem?

[97 Boxster]

Note to Self - Only 1 Key on your Key fob PERIOD. Wow that sucks for sure. Wouldnt it be cheaper to get a new ignition lock cylinder? Junkyard or something like that?

[Overdrive]

The steering wheel lock thing sounds like BS to me, because that shouldn't prevent you from inserting the key into the ignition. It will only stop you from turning the key unless you give the wheel a jiggle, and that's only if you actually locked the steering wheel prior to attempting to turn the key.

One question on that, though...did your attempt to turn the key actually turn the ignition at all or did you just put the key in, go , and pull it back out?

I think 97 Boxster may be on the better track there...look into the ignition lock cylinder. It could be that you messed up some of the tumblers with your Toyota key...I really doubt the wheel lock was affected by this. I'm no expert, I'm just trying to use logic there.

You may also want to pick the brain of a local locksmith who works on cars. They may know something the dealer doesn't want to tell you.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by mickmohr

Some idiot (me) inadvertently inserted his Toyota Tundra key into the ignition of his '06 Boxster. It obviously wouldn't start the car, and now the Porsche key cannot be inserted into the ignition. I guessed it might be some sort of anti-theft mechanism and drained all power from the car hoping to reset the computer but that had no effect. The computer displays a "Key 2" message. Well, I loaded it on a flatbed and hauled it off to the Porsche dealer and he feels that the steering wheel lock is bad($780! including labor) and the wrong key insertion was just the straw that broke the camel's back. Sounds like baloney to me. Has anyone else ever experienced a similar problem?

Considering the entire assembly (latest revamped version) only cost about $120, you are getting hosed.....

[mickmohr]

You guys agreed with me and we were all absolutely correct. Replaced the cylinder lock (ridiculously expensive) and now all is well. Thanks for your help.

[Overdrive]

Originally Posted by mickmohr

(ridiculously expensive)

Yeah...that tends to be Porsche's nickname when it comes to breakage/replacement.

[Burg Boxster]

Originally Posted by mickmohr

You guys agreed with me and we were all absolutely correct. Replaced the cylinder lock (ridiculously expensive) and now all is well. Thanks for your help.

Presume servicing dealer was A/P and not Duane? He's leagues ahead as a service manager and one of the best in the entire city regardless of brand. I'd go see him henceforth.