Testarossa Steering Column Key Cylinder | FerrariChat
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Testarossa Steering Column Key Cylinder

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by enzosteve, Jun 22, 2017.

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  1. enzosteve

    enzosteve Karting

    Nov 14, 2006
    169
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Steve
    #1 enzosteve, Jun 22, 2017
    Hello,

    I took my 1985 Testarossa out for a drive yesterday after sitting for 5 days and experienced some issues.

    I put the key in to start it and the key wouldnt turn. After fidgeting with the steering wheel and turning the key , I was able start the car and drive away. Never had that issue before and thought it was a fluke.

    About 20 minutes later, I parked the car to run some errands and when I went back to start the car, the key wouldnt turn again. After a few minutes of fidgeting, it worked.

    I also should point out that when I turn the key to the right, the key cylinder seems sticky and so the key doesnt go back to its starting position. If I dont manually turn the key back to its starting position, I can hear the starter continuously engaged.

    I dont remember having this issue before so this all seems recent and odd to me.

    Could this be a low battery issue?
    I will most likely go out and get a new gel 34R battery today.
     
  2. kartboy1234

    kartboy1234 Formula Junior

    Nov 10, 2014
    723
    Palos Verdes, CA
    Full Name:
    Michael L
    #2 kartboy1234, Jun 22, 2017
    That would not be related to a low battery. Could be a bad ignition switch or the steering wheel lock is catching and not letting you turn the key.
     
  3. 302Tim

    302Tim Formula 3

    Jul 2, 2011
    1,182
    Northern California
    Full Name:
    Tim
    #3 302Tim, Jun 22, 2017
    Sounds like an ignition switch problem to me. Switches aren't cheap or readily available, though I saw a complete lock set on eBay last week. I think if you can spray some lubricant into the internals you can salvage it. You may need to remove the switch to thoroughly clean/lubricate but I'd start by trying to spray with it mounted. This usually works for the tumblers (maybe not the other moving parts in the switch). I've never had much luck with graphite grease (which is usually recommended)--it makes a huge mess. I would try an aerosol spray with silicone or similar--there are several brands that spray wet then dry after a few minutes. I wouldn't recommend spray "white" grease, it gets real gummy/sticky for the tumblers--they need to have a light oil (vs. grease).
     
  4. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
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    Shamile
    #4 Shamile, Jun 22, 2017
    You can buy a graphite liquid in a squeeze bottle specifically for key tumblers....usually overpriced at any keyshop.

    I have that, spray into the tumbler, run the key in and out a few times, turn to pos II back to pos 0 That usually frees things up. Wipe excess off with a q-tip and wipe the key down.

    Shamile

    Freeze. . . Miami Vice!

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
     
  5. enzosteve

    enzosteve Karting

    Nov 14, 2006
    169
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Steve
    #5 enzosteve, Jun 22, 2017


    Thank you everyone for your help!
     
  6. enzosteve

    enzosteve Karting

    Nov 14, 2006
    169
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Steve
    #6 enzosteve, Jun 22, 2017

    The key turns freely now! That worked perfectly.

    Thank you
     
  7. enzosteve

    enzosteve Karting

    Nov 14, 2006
    169
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Steve
    #7 enzosteve, Jun 22, 2017
    Now that key turns smoothly, I am having a new issue.
    Not sure if I should start another thread.


    The engine wont start on my 1985 testarossa.
    I drove it yesterday and started to experience issues I have not seen before.
    Not that the key is turning properly, I just tried to start it and it wont start.

    https://youtu.be/qdPf4aUnT0s

    Any ideas or suggestions?

    thanks
     
  8. 302Tim

    302Tim Formula 3

    Jul 2, 2011
    1,182
    Northern California
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    Tim
    #8 302Tim, Jun 22, 2017
    What were the issues you hadn't seen before on the last drive? That might provide some clues.
     
  9. enzosteve

    enzosteve Karting

    Nov 14, 2006
    169
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Steve
    #9 enzosteve, Jun 23, 2017

    After having not driven the car for 5 days

    Issues:

    1) unable to turn the key in the ignition. Never had an issue before

    2) When I finally turn the key to start, it would crank longer than normal before engine would start. Usually within 2-3 seconds , yesterday maybe 6-10 seconds.

    Then today, car will crank but not start just like in video.

    I will check battery tomorrow and try again
     
  10. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
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    Shamile
    #10 Shamile, Jun 23, 2017
    If everything was fine before you dealt with the key, I would start there. I'm not familiar with the tr tumbler if that there are exposed contacts on the switch side. Perhaps too much graphite liquid has worked it's way to a contact.
    Steve Magnuson would he's tth best at answering this. You want to have the key in pos II and check for hot power at the back. This would at least confirm or deny that the power is on to "run" the car. Have you checked the usual suspects....

    Large round connector at the rear passenger side of the engine.

    Pull and reseat connectors under the expansion tank.

    Does it the starter just go on and on?

    Is there a slight catch then it dies?

    Guys that don't wear socks with their shoes want to know.

    Shamile

    Freeze. . . Miami Vice!



    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
     
  11. Melvok

    Melvok F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jul 25, 2008
    14,268
    Amersfoort, The Netherlands, Europe.
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    Mel
    #11 Melvok, Jun 23, 2017
    I see there is a new thread on it now ...
     

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