key stuck in ignition switch

Let the light on and drain the battery , put the key in the switch and after I open the hood to jump start the car but still cant get the key out the switch the battery is full charge cause I drove the car for 1 hour but still cant get the fu... key out the ignition switch can somebody help me

If the battery is fully charged and you still can't get the key out you may need to take it to the dealer. I suggest you read through this: http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-complaints/6951-didnt-read-manual-read.html It will give you some of the idiosyncrasies of Porsche's; the key in the ignition on a dead battery is mentioned. However, I would think once it's fully charged, the key would come out.

Hmmmm... I was under the impression that once power was restored, you would be able to remove it. I'd call a service department. I bet they know the procedure.

Something to try. Since its a potential security issue leaving the key in the ignition, reach into the fuse box and you will find a thin metal rod/wire. On the ignition barrel and beside the slot you will find a small door. Flip this open and insert the rod to release the key. Regards Popolou

Cool, I used this also. It works.

Yes we added it to the FAQ's and it now appears in the Owner's Manual of the new cars.

I used to have this problem once in awhile with other euro (MB) cars, and found that it was usually due to not having put the tranny all the way in P or N when powering down the car. Always try jiggling the stick a bit while trying to massage the key out before panicking!

I have to do this every time, the key is no released by itsef, what can I do to solve this issue? Thanks!

Did you ever find an answer? I have the same problem now, and I don't want to spend hundreds of $ replacing an ignition switch that otherwise works fine. Thanks, Andrew

I have the same problem, the battery is now charged and the key still gets stuck. I have to use the little tool to push into the hole near the key to unlock it.

Did anyone ever find the solution to this? Seeing the key get stuck every time.

Is the steering wheel in a relaxed state? Sometimes the steering lock is in a bind and that will cause sticking when you try to start, even tho' the key is not directly connected.

I believe so, steering is locked as the car is turned off, but it has the normal amount of slight play.

I just had the same problem on my 2012 Cayman R. Popolou's solution (using the thinmetal rod located in the fuse box to release the key) worked. Thanks, Popolou!

My 2009 Cayman has the same problem. The panel message would say to put on”P”. However, the shift lever being in the “p” position i have to nudge OT forward repeatedly then i hear a click and now i can remove the key

The tool in fuse box works but I don't want to keep doing this everywhere I go. Do I have to replace ignition or is there an issue with shifter?

Realizing this is a reply to a necro-post (15 years ago or so..) - how many people had that little door pop out, go flying, never to be found again? That tiny piece of plastic can be found (best price I found online) for $15.95 + tax + shipping (least shipping was $10). The local dealer wanted $25 for it but reduced that to $22 out the door with the PCA discount applied. Bet I find it right after I pickup the new one..

@delinberger I have the tool and I have the cap cover. I'm asking if I need to replace the shifter or the ignition switch? Obviously Porsche is aware of this, that's why there's a tool for it. Just tired of having to mess with it. Thank you for replying.

Actually - I believe the reason the tool is there is because the key locks in position if the battery goes dead and the key is in the ignition. That's a much more common happening than a linkage issue. If it was me facing the issue you have - I have to assume you have Tiptronic or PDK? I'd remove the console and check the shift mechanism and perhaps clean and lubricate it. If there is a part that's supposed to spring into some position when the car is in neutral or park and it isn't because it's gummed up with old lube, simply cleaning it might effect a cure. If that isn't the case, at least you'll have some idea how the locking works and is tied into the ignition lock. I just went through the service manual for an '09 PDK car. There is no physical connection between the shift assembly and the ignition lock assembly. It must be assumed that there is an electrical connection - so a question - when the key refuses to come out of the ignition, what does the shift indicator light on the instrument panel show? If it shows other than P or N - then I'd be looking at the electronics on the shift mechanism. If it shows P or N - I'd be looking at the locking electronics on the lock assembly.

Very informative, thank you for taking the time to research it. I really appreciate it and will take a look. The panel says to put car in park but my shifter is in park. So maybe the locking electronics? Thanks again.

i have a light that keeps comming up on dash saying ignition key not removed all says in reverse and wont start

Hi - welcome to Planet-9. It seems people initially find us when they have a problem, and I'd guess this thread turned up on a Google search.. I'd suggest reading the thread carefully - and then re-reading: https://www.planet-9.com/threads/key-stuck-in-ignition-switch.15619/#post-2204572 Is the message on the dash accurate - is your key in the ignition? And the gear indicator is indicating the transmission (I assume tiptronic or PDK) is in "Reverse" (which it likely isn't.) In this case - as I mentioned in the post pointed to above.. if the gear indicator is indicating a gear selected that isn't, and you can't remove the key - the issue is likely in the gear shift mechanism or the gear-indicator switch on the transmission. The key cannot be removed if the car is in any gear - that's a safety feature, so if the car thinks the car is in gear when it's not - they key isn't coming out. Can you move the gearshift if you turn the key to ON? Does it ever display N or P? If it does display N or P - try removing the key when it's in one of those positions. If/When you solve this issue - please DO update this thread on what the solution is.. and also please visit https://www.planet-9.com/forums/new_members/ and tell us about you and your Porsche. Photos would be welcome.