MY F#$%#$ KEY WON'T TURN!!!!!!!!!--UGGHHH

I have had the worst week ever. It is going to be a beautiful weekend. I go down to my mondial, take the top off, put the key in the ignition and....

THE SON OF A #$%$@%# WONT TURN. Nothing, nada. Not a single inch. The steering wheel is locked and I can turn it easily so there is no load on the tumblers. I have no idea what is going on. I sprayed some silicone lube in there but nothing helped. I think either one of the tumblers is stuck or the key is somehow gotten too worn down (though it looks fine). Any ideas before I light the SOB on fire for ruining my perfect weekend plans! Of all things. you expect electrical problems, bearings, blah blah blah, but a #$QWQWE ignition switch. Seriously. WTF.

-----Sorry needed to vent

 

Had exactly the same problem happen on my 328. Bent a couple of keys trying to get the steering lock off.

I stripped the steering column out of the car and dismantled everything only to find that it was the ignition switch that's attached to the back of the ignition barrel that had jammed ! The switch is held on with 2 small screws and should be removable without disturbing the steering column.

Superformance in the UK sell replacements for around £40 ...........problem solved. The same switch is also fitted to the old BMW 1602/2002.

 

If you turn it REAL HARD, the key will turn - the lock won't but the key will

I would try putting a little load on the steering wheel and wiggle the key the load on the tumblers may help. Also, were you having issues with the lock previously? Do newer Ferraris have any safety systems? If so, does the car need to be out of gear with the clutch depressed?

Worst case, remove the lock/key assembly and hot wire it. I did this with my 330 until I found the part I needed to use the key - there's something cool about hot wiring a Ferrari...

Regards,

Art S.

 

Do you mind giving me a quick walk through on how you get to the switch

 

Might sound foolish, but trust me I've done it myself, are you SURE your using the correct key in the ignition? One time tried for two hours to start the suburban with my Chevy pickup keys, sure, it fits but won't turn any tumblers.(and alot of us have two different ferrari keys)

 

I would love to say I used the wrong key but unfortunately for me I only have one key

 

I would love to say I used the wrong key but unfortunately for me I only have one key

 

This is a common RECURRING problem..this happened 3 times on me 1980 400i..I finally replaced the black plastic module on the back of the switch and then bi-passed it by installing a standard American made ignition switch in a convenient place on the console (looks just fine too)..just unplug the wires from the ignition switch and put them on the new one..problem solved and the key is now in a far more convenient location..you can always go back to the original set-up if you show or sell..$15.00 at any parts house..3 years now on mine without having to twist my hand through the darn steering wheel..hope this is of some help.(keys are cheaper/stronger too).

 

Also try your spare key. You maybe be correct that the original key is worn. I've had this happen before.

 

Where are the two small screws? I only see one that screws into the tumbler

 

Ok,
I have a better handle on what's going on. The tumbler is locked in place and wont budge. Wiggling the wheel, applying pressure, etc, does nothing. In fact, the tumbler turns about the same amount whether the key is fully in or barely in. I removed the screw on the side of the tumbler, put the key in the ignition and pressed in the indent, but the tumbler would not come out. I surmise that the tumbler will only come out if the key is in the on position. So now what do I do? I have a locksmith coming tomorrow morning, but if he can't get the tumbler out, what are my options?

This is a real problem because the car is in the garage with the wheels locked forward and there is no way to get a tow truck near the car without being able to at least turn the wheels. I know I am being a bit of pest, but I could really use all hands on deck on this one.

 

here is a picture D. McCann has them
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Cool. But how do I get the tumbler out so I can get to the switch?

 

On my GT4 the switch is screwed into the back of the tumbler. It not even in the bart books and is a bosch part used in BMW's etc. I unhooked the wires and unscrewed the switch removed it and put in a new one. The only way i could unscrew the straight head screws was to use a straight head bit and small wrench. My car was experiencing totally different symptms. It would start then not start, I thought it was the starter, alternator etc but ended up being the switch. I cant say that is your problem as the switch is pretty simple with small ball bearings to click from one setting to the next. I personally cant see how this would freeze your key but I am not an expert....

rob
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Personally, i think the tumbler is broken, but I cant seem to get guidance on getting it out

 

If there's any wiggle room, I've had some success using a lock pick (basically whole lot of thin spring wires with a slight dent at the end) and stroke the tumblers to get them to fall/retract while applying some turning pressure. You might head on over to the lock store and see if they sell something like that. I got mine online somewhere.

Ace

 

I think you are right.....the same thing happened to me. My mechanic took it out and I took it to a locksmith, who had it repaired the next day.

 

Lesson of the day...if you have a Ferrari...a Pennsylvania/delaware locksmith will not touch your car. The locksmith who was supposed to come, backed out due to his liability insurance, and the ten...yes 10 other locksmiths I called would not come either for the same reason.

I am officially F--d. Now I have to figure out how in the heck to get this car out of the garage, around a tight turn, up a slight hill, turned around, and then onto a tow truck...with the ignition locked and the wheels pointing straight ahead.

Judging from the responses, or lack thereof, apparently there is no solution short of tearing down the entire steering assembly.

Then I can only hope there is someone who can fix my ignition switch because they are pretty much unobtainable, unless you want to spend an absolutely offensive amount of money.

 

Joe, sorry to hear your having troubles, if you have a floor jack you could find some point up front to raise the vehicle, then you would be able to roll the front end around in a very tight circle, or steer the car out of the garage. maybe try lifting where the front tow hook is welded to the frame. I think your best approach is to leave the car where it is, step back for a moment, its safe in the garage and not running up an insane repair bill, one of the guys will read your post in a day or two and will know exactly how to proceed in removing the ignition switch saving you a ton of Peso's. just my 2 cts.

 

Joe, I did a quick search with "308 ignition switch" and came across a thread "access to dino ignition switch" F-chat member TonyL posted reguarding his 308, quote "I recently changed my complete ignition lock and didn't have to remove anything except 2 side screws which hold the dash in place, undo the locking pinch bolt and slide the whole assembly out. 10 minutes max." (said he thinks its the same on a 308) Hope this helps! Kim

 

Thanks kim, unfortunately, the tumbler only seems to come out easily if the key is in the on position. Or so I have read in other posts. I really appreciate the help

 

Sorry Joe,

I can't offer a bloody thing that would be of any help except to say that I feel for ya !! Well, maybe this - - before you panic, try calling or emailing one of the "independent" Ferrari gurus here in the states. You may get lucky.

Best of luck,

Hank

 

NC Mondial

NC Mondial
Karting
Silver Subscribed Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Raleigh, NC
Full Name: Paul Stahl
Posts: 138
No Classified Ratings

VICTORY!!!

Thanks to Rifledriver.

The switch will come out without removing the steering wheel & hub and, more importantly, without a hammer & chizel. There is a very small pin/plunger about 3mm in diameter on the side of the lock cylinder. With the ignition key in just the right position pushing the pin will allow the cylinder to come out of the column. It comes out toward the key. Feeding the wires through the housing as the switch is removed is no piece of cake but is a damn sight easier than taking the column apart.

I will try to get into it to clean the contacts tomorrow evening.

Thanks to all for the help and suggestions.

Paul

 

Thanks so much. I pulled this email last night. Unfortunately it only works if you can turn they key. My ignition won't budge from the off position. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help

 

Joe, drop Dave Helms a pm. He's top Ferrari Mechanic and one of the nicesest guys on the planet, I'm positive he can help you out. I know the post I made about the dino ignition seems irrelevant, but it sounds like ferrari used alot of the same ignition parts through the years (308,328,348,355)judging from the search I did.