Key getting stuck in ignition - what is going on?

[tonycarreon]

the problem is the plastic switch which porsche used. after years of turning it begins to degrade and no longer allows the mechanism to return to the fully off position meaning you have to fidget with it to get it to unlock.

i lived with mine like this for a year knowing that with each turn i was only wearing it out more and more. i learned to turn it hard to the left, then slightly back to the right while pulling out on the key. eventually though, my luck ran out and i was stuck at a gas pump for 10 minutes trying to get the car to turn back on. when that happened, i overnighted the part and replaced it. since then, it's been 100% again.

it took my plastic switch 10 years before it needed replacement. if i have to do it again in 10 years that's fine. it's still easier than replacing the entire assembly which requires removal of the headlight switches, dashboard pieces, gauge cluster. additionally, i believe the upgraded assembly was for 04+ cars. the OP has an 02.

[barkinfool]

I'm with Tony on this one after just going through this on my '02S. It is a very simple fix with just one challenge which I'll get to in a moment. I had the same symptoms a couple months back with the key not releasing very easily. Then one time the radio didn't turn off after the key was removed. And also the night before it stuck pretty badly, the A/C wouldn't turn on during a return from movies where it worked on the way over. So this switch when it fails offers some pretty unusual electrical issues. After reading the forum & the 101 Projects website, I decided not to replace the whole assembly and start with changing just the electronic piece. The biggest challenge was getting the part removed as there is some red paint on the screws and it was very difficult to get access to laying upside down in the driver's side seat -- the posted pic here is very appropriate. If it has never been replaced, scraping off the paint on the screw head is challenging as it is blind. After trying some different mini screwdrivers but not able to generate enough torque with the small handles, the hardware guy finally suggested wrapping the handle with a bunch of tape to build it up so I could grip it. DUH! But that was the key (sorry for the pun). I'd suggest removing the part first so you can verify the part no & then order 2 at Pelican or wherever you prefer so you always can replace it again. My car only has 27K on the clock so I am thinking it will fail again at some point. Good luck, satisfying repair to do yourself.

[Spinnaker]

I'm on my third switch at 110K. Updating to the new switch doesn't solve the problems. There have been owners on the forum that have had the new updated ones fail also. They bought a replacement switch and found out it didn't fit because a previous owner had updated the assembly to the newer style.
They are cheap enough that I keep a spare with a small screw driver in the frunk, just in case it goes out again and I am far away from home.
BTW, the last time it failed, I heard a crunching noise when I turned the key to try and start the car. The key went around 360º with no resistance and I could not start the car. Had to push start it to get it home.