308 GTS - Key / Ignition Switch Help | FerrariChat

308 GTS - Key / Ignition Switch Help

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by mynameisjonas, Jul 23, 2024.

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  1. mynameisjonas

    mynameisjonas Rookie

    Jul 18, 2024
    5
    Full Name:
    Jonas Musson
    My customer has a 1987 Ferrari 308 GTS that is a part of their classic car rental fleet. The ignition switch turns but it does not seem to be hitting the "Start" on the switch as you can't feel the start detent in the switch when you turn the key (it only turns two clicks) and the car no longer starts. What caused this problem was one of the renters broke a key (locksmith made replacement key) in the switch. They were later able to remove the broken portion of the key. Has anyone ran into this before? What is likely the problem? Any documentation on how to remove the ignition switch? Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,108
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    The switch and the lock are 2 separate pieces. The electric switch is held in the back of the lock by 2 slotted head screws and is easily removed and replaced.

    The lock assembly is held in by a single bolt whose head breaks off in the process of installation. A sharp awl and a hammer can get it out.

    You need to determine which is at fault before rectifying the problem.
     
  3. lm2504me

    lm2504me Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 26, 2004
    1,122
    Nipomo, CA
    Full Name:
    Richard
    Take a photo of the front of the ignition switch. Do you see any cracks in the center barrel the key is inserted into?
    Just in case they cracked it while trying to remove the broken portion of the key. The center barrel is made of pot metal. It can crack if too much force is used when starting the 308. If bad, you have to replace the outer and inner part. It is one complete piece. Otherwise, you purchase a new ignition switch.
    [​IMG]
     
  4. mynameisjonas

    mynameisjonas Rookie

    Jul 18, 2024
    5
    Full Name:
    Jonas Musson
    Thanks for the replies and advice. I will take a look at it in the morning. Guessing I will need some new parts, where is the best source for parts for this car?
     
  5. Sigmacars

    Sigmacars Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Jul 19, 2006
    1,219
    You can find them on e bay or eurospares the are around $200.00 and easily installed
     
  6. raemin

    raemin Formula 3

    Jan 16, 2007
    2,347
    Lyon (FR)
    Full Name:
    R. Emin
  7. mynameisjonas

    mynameisjonas Rookie

    Jul 18, 2024
    5
    Full Name:
    Jonas Musson
    I removed the switch module from the back of the switch and it appears one of the male ears on the back of the ignition switch that fits into the female part of the module broke off. Does this mean I need a new keyed switch assembly? If so, how do I remove the old one and where is the best place to find one and what should I expect to pay. Thanks in advance again for the help!
     
  8. lm2504me

    lm2504me Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 26, 2004
    1,122
    Nipomo, CA
    Full Name:
    Richard
    Photos help….
     
  9. mynameisjonas

    mynameisjonas Rookie

    Jul 18, 2024
    5
    Full Name:
    Jonas Musson
    Still trying to sort out what direction to go with this. As mentioned above, I believe one of the taps on the key side of the ignition has broken off and this is why it is not turning the ignition switch, or module on the back of the assembly. I have included a photo of the back of the assembly showing the missing tab and the shear bolt, which looks like someone has broke off and made a grove so you can back it out. What are my options here? Thanks
    Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  10. raemin

    raemin Formula 3

    Jan 16, 2007
    2,347
    Lyon (FR)
    Full Name:
    R. Emin
  11. allstars

    allstars Rookie

    Jun 7, 2013
    7
    Did you fine the part you need?
     
  12. mynameisjonas

    mynameisjonas Rookie

    Jul 18, 2024
    5
    Full Name:
    Jonas Musson
    Yes. I ordered the BMW version of the ignition switch that another member suggested. This was about 1/2 the cost and worked excellent. For the broken ignition lock, I made a small piece of metal that I epoxied into the back of the lock and it worked great and is now better than the original design. Not to mention I saved customer thousands of dollars not having to replace the lock.
     

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