MY F#$%#$ KEY WON'T TURN!!!!!!!!!--UGGHHH

If you turn it REAL HARD, the key will turn - the lock won't but the key will

I would try putting a little load on the steering wheel and wiggle the key the load on the tumblers may help. Also, were you having issues with the lock previously? Do newer Ferraris have any safety systems? If so, does the car need to be out of gear with the clutch depressed?

Worst case, remove the lock/key assembly and hot wire it. I did this with my 330 until I found the part I needed to use the key - there's something cool about hot wiring a Ferrari...

Regards,

Art S.

 

Might sound foolish, but trust me I've done it myself, are you SURE your using the correct key in the ignition? One time tried for two hours to start the suburban with my Chevy pickup keys, sure, it fits but won't turn any tumblers.(and alot of us have two different ferrari keys)

 

This is a common RECURRING problem..this happened 3 times on me 1980 400i..I finally replaced the black plastic module on the back of the switch and then bi-passed it by installing a standard American made ignition switch in a convenient place on the console (looks just fine too)..just unplug the wires from the ignition switch and put them on the new one..problem solved and the key is now in a far more convenient location..you can always go back to the original set-up if you show or sell..$15.00 at any parts house..3 years now on mine without having to twist my hand through the darn steering wheel..hope this is of some help.(keys are cheaper/stronger too).

 

Also try your spare key. You maybe be correct that the original key is worn. I've had this happen before.

 

here is a picture D. McCann has them
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On my GT4 the switch is screwed into the back of the tumbler. It not even in the bart books and is a bosch part used in BMW's etc. I unhooked the wires and unscrewed the switch removed it and put in a new one. The only way i could unscrew the straight head screws was to use a straight head bit and small wrench. My car was experiencing totally different symptms. It would start then not start, I thought it was the starter, alternator etc but ended up being the switch. I cant say that is your problem as the switch is pretty simple with small ball bearings to click from one setting to the next. I personally cant see how this would freeze your key but I am not an expert....

rob
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If there's any wiggle room, I've had some success using a lock pick (basically whole lot of thin spring wires with a slight dent at the end) and stroke the tumblers to get them to fall/retract while applying some turning pressure. You might head on over to the lock store and see if they sell something like that. I got mine online somewhere.

Ace

 

I think you are right.....the same thing happened to me. My mechanic took it out and I took it to a locksmith, who had it repaired the next day.

 

Joe, sorry to hear your having troubles, if you have a floor jack you could find some point up front to raise the vehicle, then you would be able to roll the front end around in a very tight circle, or steer the car out of the garage. maybe try lifting where the front tow hook is welded to the frame. I think your best approach is to leave the car where it is, step back for a moment, its safe in the garage and not running up an insane repair bill, one of the guys will read your post in a day or two and will know exactly how to proceed in removing the ignition switch saving you a ton of Peso's. just my 2 cts.

 

Joe, I did a quick search with "308 ignition switch" and came across a thread "access to dino ignition switch" F-chat member TonyL posted reguarding his 308, quote "I recently changed my complete ignition lock and didn't have to remove anything except 2 side screws which hold the dash in place, undo the locking pinch bolt and slide the whole assembly out. 10 minutes max." (said he thinks its the same on a 308) Hope this helps! Kim

 

Sorry Joe,

I can't offer a bloody thing that would be of any help except to say that I feel for ya !! Well, maybe this - - before you panic, try calling or emailing one of the "independent" Ferrari gurus here in the states. You may get lucky.

Best of luck,

Hank

 

NC Mondial

NC Mondial
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Silver Subscribed Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Raleigh, NC
Full Name: Paul Stahl
Posts: 138
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VICTORY!!!

Thanks to Rifledriver.

The switch will come out without removing the steering wheel & hub and, more importantly, without a hammer & chizel. There is a very small pin/plunger about 3mm in diameter on the side of the lock cylinder. With the ignition key in just the right position pushing the pin will allow the cylinder to come out of the column. It comes out toward the key. Feeding the wires through the housing as the switch is removed is no piece of cake but is a damn sight easier than taking the column apart.

I will try to get into it to clean the contacts tomorrow evening.

Thanks to all for the help and suggestions.

Paul

 

Joe, drop Dave Helms a pm. He's top Ferrari Mechanic and one of the nicesest guys on the planet, I'm positive he can help you out. I know the post I made about the dino ignition seems irrelevant, but it sounds like ferrari used alot of the same ignition parts through the years (308,328,348,355)judging from the search I did.