Hi to All, My 512 TR was locking and unlocking properly and smoothly with the key when I first got it yesterday. Today it worked as advertised to lock and unlock the doors, but then I noticed a lot of resistance when turning the key. My key showed signs of wear and previous bending. While trying to change positions and angles of the key in the door lock, the key gently let go and twisted off. My mind screamed to me "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!" This is the end of my second glorious day with my 512 and this is my only key. Thank God that it happenned at the end of my day while the car was parked in my garage after being cleaned and polished. This could have easily occurred and left me stranded somewhere. So at least it's not such an emergency. I think after searching threads that there may be a solenoid that may have stopped working. Or maybe my key was so far out of spec that the system rejected it. It worked in the ignition. So first my driver lock stopped working and I couldn't lock the door. Then later the passenger door lock started to act stubborn. The key began being difficult to remove from the door lock and then once in, it was difficult to remove from the door lock. So I will go to the dealer and order a couple new keys. If they act stubborn I will immediately get the door lock assemblies looked at.
Good God, man !!! You've got to be kidding.......the key must be made of the same junk that the early Ferrari camshafts were made from
More seriously. It's been a while since I had a 512TR ('92 512TR about 10 years ago) but it had purely mechanical keys, locks and ignition. Therefore, the issue is lubrication. Remove the stub of key with needle nose pliers and WD-40, go to a full service locksmith and have him make 5 keys for $10. Then lubricate all the locks and you're done. This is pre $1,000 electronic Ferrari keys (I just bought one of those).
Hi DanS, I took your advice and went to Zipf Lock Service off 5th Ave in Columbus. They looked up 512TR, 1992 and had the key blanks for it. So heads up to Ferrari owners in the area, it ALWAYS helps to have an extra key. They key was cut from the shank that broke off. The new cut didn't work at first. There was an extra length of what I call a shoulder behind the section of cut teeth. Once this was ground back as it is on the original key, the key worked on the ignition, the fuel cap, and on the passenger door. The driver side door still had an issue operating. It would turn to the right as it should, but the door did not lock. My friend Jamy looked at the door when it was closed and had the idea that the door jam switch was not closing it's circuit properly. The red door light and the window switch lights were staying illuminated when the door was closed. So he will be fixing that switch and we will see if the door lock works. So the door still thinks it's open when closed so the lock won't work then if the door is "open". Jamy also tightened my positive battery cable and now the ignition starts on the first try. It feels great to have things acting as they should! Thanks to Jamy for helping me get these issues sorted out!
Timothy, Sorry for your issues on your second day. Your 512TR originally came with three keys. If you eventually want the OEM keys another TR forum member tracked down replacements for $180.00 at Ferrari of Beverly Hills--actually a good price. Your 512TR has "central locking". When you open/close the drivers/passenger door with the key the opposite door also unlocks via an electrical solenoid (and locks the same way). The lock knob, as you mentioned, should (can) only operate when the door is closed but it is (at least on my 88TR) strictly mechanical--there is no "closed signal" (besides the door latch being physically closed) that would tell it to/not to operate. Also correct, the door lights (red "open" lights and white "curb" lights on bottom) are operated by pin switches in the forward door jambs--mine has a switch for the door lights, and a separate switch for the electric seat belt system--I suspect yours is the same. I know on the 512TR the window and mirror switches moved to the doors (vs. central console on TR) but otherwise your system seems very similar. I don't believe those switches affect 512TR door locking but I did not consult the 512TR WD. I suspect more of a mechanical issue in the drivers latch/lock, or perhaps the open/close solenoid is hanging up. You said the new key works in the passenger door--can you see/hear it open (or try to) the drivers side as it unlocks the passenger side? I just did some work on my window motors and inspected/lubed my door latch mechanism (best I could installed). Seems pretty straight forward to remove (though cramped) if necessary. A new/NOS locking mechanism will be costly (if available). I would thoroughly lube the lock tumbler from the keyhole, and also the accessible latch components on the door. You can rotate the latch mechanism closed with the door open, and open it using either the key or inside handle (try both). You might also test the lock knob while the latch is closed to see if it is somehow binding. Good luck and let us know how it works out.
Yes, I would agree with all the suggestions here - and would add - try to fix it with what you have. Don't even bother trying to buy new door locks/tumblers, because it's impossible to swap them out. I still have a set of tumblers sitting in my drawer collecting dust.
Here is a thought..Sometimes, in Ferraridom,you might just find it easier to K.I.S.S. on some things..certain themes run all the way through many Ferrari models, and they continue to re-occur at the darndest times, like at resturaunts and gas stations..if you disconnect the auto-locking system and just live with- out it, you won't miss it within a week's time and you will have more time to enjoy your ride, and deal with more important issues..I hope that this is of some value.."Happy Trails.' Jq.
