355 key won't turn | FerrariChat

355 key won't turn

Discussion in '348/355' started by zarama, May 14, 2023.

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  1. zarama

    zarama Rookie

    Feb 3, 2009
    31
    My 98 spider has been running great but when I went to start it today the ignition would not turn. I always use the spare key so I found the original key and the same thing. It turns 1 small click so that the ABS light comes on but then it stops. It almost feels like the steering wheel lock is on so try to move that steering wheel and turn the key but nothing. Obviously the car can't go anywhere so any help would be greatly appreciated.

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  2. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,721
    Drop of oil in the key slot !?! to loosen things back up ...
     
  3. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Aug 10, 2002
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    Turn wheel and turn key same time
     
  4. Extreme1

    Extreme1 Formula 3

    Jun 27, 2017
    1,421
    Santa Clarita, CA
    Sounds like your steering wheel is turned so you need to take the pressure off the ignition switch before the switch will turn.
    Like fatbillybob said, turn the wheel slightly, then turn the key.


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  5. zarama

    zarama Rookie

    Feb 3, 2009
    31
    That's definitely what I thought. Feels exactly like I have to turn the wheel in order to turn the key and take the steering lock off but it doesn't move. I try pulling the wheel in either direction but I still can't turn the key.

    I also did try putting a little penetrating oil on the key and putting it in and out of the socket dozens of times to see if that loosens something up but nothing.



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  6. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Aug 10, 2002
    28,980
    socal
    If jiggle key turn no work try turn and pull key out slightly. No work wd40 spray in key hole. No work tap cylinder with hammer then turn key. Can't get hammer there put screw driver or cylinder yap with hammer.
     
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  7. INRange

    INRange F1 World Champ
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    Jan 27, 2014
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    Does the key turn at all....you mentioned in your first post that the ABS light came on. Does it make it to the first stop?
     
  8. zarama

    zarama Rookie

    Feb 3, 2009
    31
    It turns about 10-15° and then stops, the ABS light then comes on for about 5 seconds then turns off. Not sure if that's position 1 or not.

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  9. INRange

    INRange F1 World Champ
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    I just went out and checked my car….same year as yours….and as you barely start to turn the key, the ABS comes on. You have to rotate the key another 1/4” to get to position one.

    So I don’t believe your key is releasing the lock. As to why….has the lock been sticky lately and weird when you put the key in and out?

    Also closely look to see if the key is fully seated.
     
  10. INRange

    INRange F1 World Champ
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    While FBB usually gives good advice…..don’t beat on the lock with a hammer.;)

    If the lock has a broken spring or detent, you have to replace it. The only way to know what is going on is to open it up.

    The last thing you want to do is get it working and then have it happen again away from your garage.
     
  11. zarama

    zarama Rookie

    Feb 3, 2009
    31
    I haven't noticed any strange behaviors when using the key until today. Everything was working just fine and I started the car last night in order to put the roof down. And yes the key does seem to be fully seated in there.

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  12. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    Feb 20, 2015
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    As the key is actually turning, it sounds like the little pins/springs have already moved into the right positions, so I'm not sure if the hammer method would work. Try flushing the lock out with "no residue" electrical spray first. If you use the battery disconnect, it doesn't matter how much you spray in there as long as you let it dry sufficiently. Pull the lower shroud off the steering column and put a towel underneath to stop it dripping on your carpet.

    Perhaps a locksmith might help. It's going to get complicated and expensive if you have to change the ignition barrel.
     
  13. zarama

    zarama Rookie

    Feb 3, 2009
    31
    Ok, so I removed the bottom cover and was going to try the flush idea tomorrow when I can pick up some electrical spray. I also wanted to know if there is a way to remove the ignition cylinder without removing the steering column. I found a small Phillips head screw that came off but then the cylinder still won't slide out. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

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  14. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    For future forum reference: It think it would be unlikely that the steering wheel angle is the problem in your situation. I just tried it on my car and the key won't even turn to the first position with the steering wheel locked.
     
  15. INRange

    INRange F1 World Champ
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    #15 INRange, May 14, 2023
    Last edited: May 14, 2023
  16. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    I don't know if this applies to F355, but this YouTube video shows a release pin on top the lock (at the 2 minute mark).



    The key has to be turned to the ACCY position.

    Maybe the equivalent is here???

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    I see that locksmiths suggest a product called Tri-Flow for lubrication. Unlike WD40, it doesn't attract dust.
     
  17. INRange

    INRange F1 World Champ
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    No hammers!!!! This is a Ferrari not a Chevy Nova!!!o_O
     
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  18. zarama

    zarama Rookie

    Feb 3, 2009
    31
    So I think I realized why I couldn't figure out how to remove the ignition cylinder, I believe someone previously snapped the head off the screw. Is that what I'm seeing here?

    And if so, well how am I supposed to get that out? Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

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  19. zarama

    zarama Rookie

    Feb 3, 2009
    31
    And yes, I was able to depress that button that you pointed at with the red arrow and although it does press in somewhat it won't let me release the cylinder. I assume that only works if it's in the accessory position

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  20. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    That bolt/screw looks like it is intended to shear off during installation, thus making it tamper-proof.

    You may have to drill a hole in the screw and use a suitable screw extractor /"easy out" tool. Hopefully the material is not too hard (I imagine it is fairly soft if it shears).
     
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  21. zarama

    zarama Rookie

    Feb 3, 2009
    31
    Took some time but finally got the key to turn into an accessory position. I ended up flooding the cylinder with brake clean, then blasting out with compressed air. Then reflooring it with a lock penetrating spray I got from a locksmith. Then I put an oscillating saw on it with no tool to vibrate the lock. Then after wiggling the key for another couple minutes I moved. I took the cylinder to a locksmith and they say they should have it back in a day or so. Image Unavailable, Please Login

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  22. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    Excellent. Thanks for the follow up. Looks like you got off relatively cheaply.

    Maple leaf? Must be spring in the Rockies?
     
  23. zarama

    zarama Rookie

    Feb 3, 2009
    31
    Actually, in Ontario Canada, I would much rather be in the Rockies, much nicer driving roads.

    Thanks again for everyone's input and help.

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