83 308 - Ignition key won't turn | FerrariChat
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83 308 - Ignition key won't turn

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Wolfgang5150, Jul 2, 2009.

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  1. Wolfgang5150

    Wolfgang5150 F1 Rookie

    Oct 31, 2003
    4,706
    #1 Wolfgang5150, Jul 2, 2009
    Going to call the mechanic in the morning; just curious - anyone else ever have this problem?
    My ignition key (& spare key) won't turn in the ignition. I figure the tumbler system must be worn down. If it helps I also had to replace the battery as it was dead - is there an electrical issue tied in to this?
    Thanks in advance.
    Kevin S.
     
  2. Sledge4.2

    Sledge4.2 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2007
    4,786
    Marin
    Full Name:
    Geno
    #2 Sledge4.2, Jul 2, 2009
    try turning the wheel slightly to left or right..
     
  3. Wolfgang5150

    Wolfgang5150 F1 Rookie

    Oct 31, 2003
    4,706
    #3 Wolfgang5150, Jul 2, 2009
    Wow! I owe you a beer! It worked - my question is, what caused it not to turn?
    kevin
    PS - Love your hobby. I'm painting a 79 EVH Bumblebee this week...........
     
  4. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 30, 2003
    18,057
    Savannah
    #4 thecarreaper, Jul 2, 2009
    steering column has a lock built into it, to make it difficult to just push the car away. its part of the "anti theft" features as it requires the keys to push and steer the car.
     
  5. Modeler

    Modeler F1 Veteran

    May 19, 2008
    7,330
    State of confusion
    Full Name:
    a.n.other
    #5 Modeler, Jul 2, 2009
    The car moved slightly after the ignition was turned off. This threw the weight of the vehicle through the front wheels and steering to the steering lock in the switch module. Turning the wheel slightly lifted that pressure from the ignition/steering lock and the key was free to turn once without that loading.
    Clear as mud?
     
  6. Wolfgang5150

    Wolfgang5150 F1 Rookie

    Oct 31, 2003
    4,706
    #6 Wolfgang5150, Jul 2, 2009
    Modeler - that's exactly what happened. After the battery died; I pushed it in neutral a few feet to reposition it in the garage.
    It's clear now!
    Thanks
    Kevin
     
  7. jacques

    jacques Formula Junior

    May 23, 2006
    877
    Los Angeles/Florida
    #7 jacques, Jul 3, 2009
    Does the '83 have the same locking mechanism as the earlier cars? If so, then it probably is not the locking mechanism.. It is the black plastic electrical module on back of the ignition switch that is wearing out. This is becoming common as these cars age. It will continue to worsen until permanent failure in a most public place. Change it now. Common BMW part.$100USD. Buy two, as these are getting rarer by the day.It is attached by two screws in the back of the switch. Note the ignition wiring positions before you remove them. The official Ferrari body position is: on your back with head under steering column, feet in the air, with sweat running into your eyes, significant other in tears with laughter on the way out the door to go shopping. P.M. me if you can't locate the part. Buy the German-made one and not the one made in China if you can. Hope that this is of some help.
     
  8. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
    18,221
    Twin Cities
    Full Name:
    Tim Keseluk
    #8 2NA, Jul 3, 2009
    Huh?

    See above, problem fixed.

    Just like every car with a locking steering column.
     
  9. Sledge4.2

    Sledge4.2 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2007
    4,786
    Marin
    Full Name:
    Geno
    #9 Sledge4.2, Jul 3, 2009
    i have a token shredder guitar with a locking trem, and i have though many a times on EVH'ing it for the old school factor. I remember when I was <much younger> when eruption came out, we locked ourselves in a room for two weeks trying to figure those triplet hammerons off. Now i spend weeks trying to find a miss in my 308.
     

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