Ignition keylock blocking | FerrariChat

Ignition keylock blocking

Discussion in '308/328' started by assadollahi, May 9, 2025.

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  1. assadollahi

    assadollahi Rookie

    Mar 23, 2025
    9
    Munich, Germany
    Full Name:
    Ramin Assadollahi
    Dear all, last week I received my 328 GTS and I'm very happy with it. But just two days in, the key for the ignition is not working any more. it only unlocks the steering wheel lock but doesn't turn further to electrics or ignition. I tried graphite spray, I even received a second set of keys from the previous owner. But they don't work either. What else can I do?
    See the video here:

     
  2. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,327
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    The ignition lock has an electrical switch screwed into the back side. That often happens when that electrical switch breaks internally. Take out the 2 screws, partially dislodge the switch and see if the key turns normally again.
     
    maurice70 and assadollahi like this.
  3. assadollahi

    assadollahi Rookie

    Mar 23, 2025
    9
    Munich, Germany
    Full Name:
    Ramin Assadollahi
    I found this video on Youtube, so I'd probably need remove the leather front to uncover the keylock and ignition barrel, probably even remove it from the car to get to the screws, right? I found this video explaning the different parts:

     
  4. Sigmacars

    Sigmacars Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Jul 19, 2006
    1,250
    You have to turn the key ALL THE WAY left to restart it looks like you only going to position 2
     
  5. rwbolt1

    rwbolt1 Karting

    Sep 10, 2006
    245
    Boerne, TX
    Full Name:
    Rodney Bolt
    Maybe you're locked out from the steering wheel??? Try turning the steering wheel either direction to unlock. Just a thought.
     
  6. assadollahi

    assadollahi Rookie

    Mar 23, 2025
    9
    Munich, Germany
    Full Name:
    Ramin Assadollahi
    I can unlock the steering wheel, but it won't turn further than that. A chap in a German forum told me to use a rubber hammer on the key slightly to get the motor started. This worked twice and the key will turn motor on/off as long as you don't pull it out from the barrel. When inserting it again, you need to fiddle with the hammer again. I was 50% successful in the last 15min...
     
  7. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,327
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    Thats the second stupidest thing I have ever heard. Put the tools down.
     
    Saabguy likes this.
  8. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,327
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    Why would you disassemble the car. I have done it many times removing nothing but the switch.
     
  9. assadollahi

    assadollahi Rookie

    Mar 23, 2025
    9
    Munich, Germany
    Full Name:
    Ramin Assadollahi
    I didn't write that I want do it, in fact I certainly don't want to do it. It's just a video that shows all parts. Do you have a good instruction for me to just remove the switch? That would be extremely helpful. Instructions and videos on how to do it are extremely rare.
     
  10. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,327
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    I did it the old fashioned way.....I figured it out. Its an old American trait.
    I do not teach auto repair.
     
  11. ferrariowner

    ferrariowner Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2014
    1,155
    Mansfield, TX
    Full Name:
    Ron
    Why are you on the forum. Your posts just ridicule others and troll for work at your shop. Offer help or suggestions but check your ego.
     
    assadollahi likes this.
  12. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,327
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    I have never solicited work and have been critical of those that do. I turn work away. I hardly need more.

    I gave him a likely reason for his problem and told him how best to diagnose it. More than anyone else has done, including you.
    Should I grab some tools and go over and fix it too?

    Go screw yourself. Better yet, stop by. I have a message to deliver in person.
     
  13. assadollahi

    assadollahi Rookie

    Mar 23, 2025
    9
    Munich, Germany
    Full Name:
    Ramin Assadollahi
    Okay, let's go through the conversation here:
    1. You said that the electronics might be broken
    2. I was able to start the motor the second I was able to turn the key, consequently, for me, it's unlikely that the electronics is broken
    3. You said the electronics have two screws, I should unscrew them.
    4. When studying how these would be unscrewed, I saw that they are on the other side of the key hole, i.e. on the back
    5. For this, I'd need to get to the back
    6. I wrote that I may need to decompose the front to get to the back
    7. You said "why would you disassemble the car?". Well.
    8. As you obviously have more experience than me, so I asked you whether you have some instructions.
    9. The reality is that other people were able to turn the key by using a hammer like in this video:
    10. Your answer was in fact condescending, telling me that this is "the second dumbest thing" you've heared.
     
  14. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,327
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    Want instructions? Get a short screwdriver and a flashlight, slide under the steering column and look up. Its self explanatory.

    And yes, hitting it with a hammer is stupid. I cannot say I am sorry if it offends snowflakes to say what a 3rd party did was stupid.
     
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  15. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,418
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    First of all that assembly is no longer available an d VERY expensive in the marketplace.

    But as discussed, the key and cylinder simply activate the solid rod to lock the column, and rotate the switch....
    You DO have to stand on your head!
    One of my favorite memories, of JRV doing it.

    But taking the switch off of the lock rod assembly weill let you sort out what is going on.
    I would just order a new one and get it on the way.

    Old plastic and years of usage have taken the toll, IMO.
    Forcing anything on the key cylinder (been there done that, I have had to have it totally rebuilt from Locksmith damage) is a good way to break the key off in the cylinder. That's what Brian is warning you about.

    Someone like FerrParts might have the whole key/rod assembly from salvage but it's going to be ...I dunno....$3K USD??
    Try someone like Italian Auto Parts on the multi termiinal electrical half of it..
     
    assadollahi likes this.
  16. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,418
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    A qucik google search shows a complete used asembly in the UK, Inquire of Pricing.

    But one of the detail photos clearly shows the rear of it and the two slot head screws that Rifledriver is trying to guide you to.
    Good luck with it, just fix it and drive on!
     
  17. assadollahi

    assadollahi Rookie

    Mar 23, 2025
    9
    Munich, Germany
    Full Name:
    Ramin Assadollahi
    Thanks, I've seen the whole assembly for about 1800€ here in Europe. I've also seen the Neiman 53 lock available in a BMW assembly (so I could move the lock out of the BMW housing and build it into the 328's housing). But I really want to be sure that I am able to get the lock out of the assembly without destroying it or myself :-D. People have done that but you need to drill a whole where one of the screws is etc. I may leave that to a professional. But first of all, I'll try what grumpy grandpa Rifledriver is suggesting, namely try to unscrew the electric block to see whether its a front issue or a back issue. And practice some yoga upfront.
     
  18. ferrariowner

    ferrariowner Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2014
    1,155
    Mansfield, TX
    Full Name:
    Ron
     
  19. ferrariowner

    ferrariowner Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2014
    1,155
    Mansfield, TX
    Full Name:
    Ron
    Just ignore him. He's a washed-up troll looking to save his failing car repair shop.
     
  20. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,418
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    He's a dear friend of mine but makes his living fixing real Ferraris, not solving internet problems.

    Or in any event "puts up withme"...maybe friend is too strong a word!
    But he's a solid guy that knows his business.

    It's one of the best shops in Texas actually....
     
    Saabguy likes this.
  21. ferrariowner

    ferrariowner Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2014
    1,155
    Mansfield, TX
    Full Name:
    Ron
    Stay of the forum if you feel the need to abuse others. He has a long history that anyone can easily check.
     
  22. Saabguy

    Saabguy Formula 3

    Mar 28, 2012
    1,786
    Shreveport, LA
    There will be a time when you will require the expertise of Rifledriver, he doesn't suffer fools (or those of us who won't take the time to research ) or listen to his advice but he can be helpful and you can rely on his answers to be correct.
     
    dave80gtsi likes this.

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