car won't lock! - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

RandallNeighbour · 02-06-2010, 02:23 PM

It was a good long stretch. Nearly 18 months since something broke on my boxster. I knew it couldn't last though.

Today I locked the car with the remote, then the key, and it immediately unlocked the doors and beeped the horn twice.

If I am inside the car, I can use the dash button and lock the doors. I can also turn the key to the right 3x real fast and keep the doors locked (manual override).

I consulted my trusty manual and it says that something's not closed, but the doors, trunks, oddments tray, and the clamshell for the top are fully closed.

Any ideas for me or if this happened to you, what did it finally turn out to be?

tonycarreon · 02-06-2010, 02:52 PM

since it's what usually gets a finger pointed at it when there's an electrical problem - ignition switch?

Bladecutter · 02-06-2010, 03:01 PM

If you have the Durametrics tool, you might be able to find out which item isn't setting.

BC.

RandallNeighbour · 02-06-2010, 04:04 PM

I replaced the ignition switch two years ago and the batteries in my remote just a few months ago... the problem occurs when I use the key in the door as well, so I don't think it's remote battery related.

The ignition switch might be out again, but I don't think this is the issue.

Keep those ideas coming!

tnoice · 02-06-2010, 05:08 PM

probably the ignition switch. my car did the exact same thing and it was the clicky thing in the switch that was stuck (do not know the technical term for it). I pushed the key back into the ignition turned it on, turned it off and pulled the key back out and the locks worked fine after that. The key cylinder thinks your key is in the ignition, so that is why the car is not locking.

RandallNeighbour · 02-08-2010, 03:56 PM

My mechanic is saying one of the door lock mechanisms is shot and that's causing the car to unlock. Evidently, when the timing is off between the two doors the alarm system unlocks the car thinking one door is open.

Sad part is that he quoted $250 for the friggin part plus labor! Sheesh. I do not have this kind of money to spend right now.

At any rate, he said he could diagnose it with a PST tool and I could bring the car to his place later this week or this weekend and he had the part in stock.

Just thought I'd report back on this thread for historical purposes for others to read in the years to come when it happens to them.

JMP · 02-06-2010, 02:54 PM

Hi Randall, just a simple thought but maybe the little battery in your key holder is dead? Co0uldn't be this easy though I am sure. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, Jerry

litteng · 03-08-2010, 10:19 AM

looks a lot like the same latch (crappy) on the VW passat ... oh and they sometimes! won't open or close

smile brother its still a great day

RandallNeighbour · 03-14-2010, 04:02 PM

I got the blasted thing installed today and I'm now back to locking the car when it's out and unwatched.

This was not a simple job though. Those 12 point bolts were easily stripped, but a vice grip got them loose and re-tightened!

97 Boxster · 07-16-2010, 04:30 AM

Randall,

I have to do this sometime this next week. Any advice?? I will also be replacing the ignition switch at the same time.

RandallNeighbour · 07-16-2010, 04:48 AM

It's not hard if you have a Bentley manual and know how to take off the door panel.

The triple star bolt heads that hold the mechanism in place inside the door would not break loose when I bought a triple star tool. I stripped them out.

So, I had to take vice grips and grasp the side of the bolts and turn them loose. Chewed them up real good, but I touched them up with touchup paint and no one has noticed... even me.

If you don't have a bentley manual and you want to borrow mine or just come to my place to do this swap and get some help, I am happy to do that for you. I live in the Heights near downtown.

97 Boxster · 07-16-2010, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

It's not hard if you have a Bentley manual and know how to take off the door panel.

The triple star bolt heads that hold the mechanism in place inside the door would not break loose when I bought a triple star tool. I stripped them out.

So, I had to take vice grips and grasp the side of the bolts and turn them loose. Chewed them up real good, but I touched them up with touchup paint and no one has noticed... even me.

If you don't have a bentley manual and you want to borrow mine or just come to my place to do this swap and get some help, I am happy to do that for you. I live in the Heights near downtown.

Let me get the parts and I just may take you up on your offer. How long did it take you to do the swap? Of course, now you could do it faster since you know and have done it, but just for times sake and if I cant make it to you let me know.

This repair happened in 3's for me. Key FOB broke, ignition switch and of course this window crap all happened this past week. Hopefully thats it for now and that I can drive it for a few with these repairs.