Key stuck in ignition unless I use the tool!

:helpme: Here's the problem: My key is stuck in the ignition switch, and can only be removed with the factory provided tool. This has lasted for a week at this point. I figured that once power was restored to my battery and the car worked normally, the key would be released. The car: 987 Boxster S (2007), warrantee expired a few months ago (of course). The ignition switch was replaced by the dealer for an identical problem 1.5 years ago. The background: I've done a lot of searching on these forums, and it has been very helpful. I left town for 1.5 weeks and did not put my car on a battery maintainer. This hasn't been a problem in the past, but I won't do that again. I came back to a completely dead battery and a hood that would not open even using the method in the fuse box. I used the trunk release cable in the left front wheel well to open the hood, hooked the battery to a maintainer and have rescued the battery . The car starts and runs fine. A mechanic has checked the charging system and the battery and verified that both are ok. Of course, the first thing I did was put the key in the ignition and try to start the key. I then shut the door and realized the window wasn't lowering to shut the door. Crud. I knew immediately that the battery was dead. I couldn't start the car OR remove the key from the ignition. To make matters worse, when I pop the little cover off next to the key and use the provided wire tool to eject the key, the holes are not aligned and I can barely get the tool inserted. With lots of wiggling, I'm able to release the key now. However, the key gets trapped every single time I use the car now. I've taken to driving around with the tool inserted in the ignition switch so that I can easily remove the key like normal. This works but is obviously not ideal. Especially if I park somewhere and then *can't* remove the key. I couldn't leave the car with the key in the ignition. So... unless anyone here has a suggestion for my fixing this somehow, I either drive around with a wire sticking out of my ignition switch forever, or I spend ~$500 for parts and labor to replace the switch (to be done by a mechanic because the steering column has to be dismantled.) Thanks for any help you can offer! Andrew As an aside: I *can* state unequivocally that thanks to postings and photos here, I was able to find the trunk release cable under the left wheel well. I can also state that I was able to open the hood without removing the wheel or using a lift, by unbolting the plastic covers in the wheel well and pulling the cable. Handy to know it's there - but I'll never leave anything in the "safety" of the front trunk again. It is absolutely not secure. It would have been FAR safer for Porsche to just put a mechanical release in the passenger compartment instead.

Since you had this issue handled under warranty in the past if you take it to the dealer there is a strong chance you can get Porsche to cover it. I wouldn't mention the battery dying part though. Otherwise they'd blame it on that occurrence. I bet you have a dead module or something that needs to be reset.

I´m having exactly the same problem. I´m trying to fix the ignition, if I have any news I´ll post here. Take the car to the dealer is impossible for me now. I unmounted all the dash to take the ignition part, I can send photos later if you need.. Thanks a lot Alex

Has anyone found out how or what fixed this? Have a 2007 Boxster 987 that has done the same thing. Replaced the ignition and it didn’t fix the problem. Still using the tool to pull the key out every time. Please help me find out how to fix.

I've got all the same problems with my 200 6 987. Battery discharge, key can't be removed from ignition switch. I've ordered battery disconnect switch with remote to prevent theft and to keep the battery from discharging, but I'd like to be able to remove the key of course. It seems Porsche engineers work overtime to complicate a simple system. This is the first I've heard of a tool to allow key removal. Where is one purchased?

Check your owners manual. It describes the location of the tool (you already have it, you don't have to buy it) and the procedure.

Thanks zuch. Things keep getting stranger. I can't find this in my 2006 manual under 'keys' 'ignition' 'locking' immobilizer ... or I am getting more feeble than I thought. I did find a page online from a different manual, and with directions. It doesn't talk about a different tool, just any long thin object. Anyway, the prior owner or my brother-in-law had already done this, because I found the cover around the ignition was missing and in the console with a skinny screwdriver. Anyway. the procedure doesn't work for me or the mechanic who had it for over a month. Will try to find a local expert. Owning a Porsche and living 200 miles from a dealer. https://********.com/forums/cayenne...orums/cayenne-[phone removed]-2010/793631-key-stuck-in-ignition-no-power-help.html

Hey did you ever find a fix for the problem? I have the same issue. Key stuck in ignition after the battery went dead. Can only remove with the thin metal rod, etc. Called my repair shop, a couple of locksmiths, and the verdict seems to be the security system needs to be "reset" via the dealer. My local Porsche dealer wants $250 to "diagnose" the issue, which is total bullshit. Anyway let me know if you fixed the issue.

No. I HAVE found mechanics who THOUGHT they knew, but did not.

Ok, my mechanic friends say to start by swapping out the ignition switch. I think I saw on post here that someone did that and it did not fix the problem. Ill check with some of my local PCA friends and see if any of them have come across this problem. Fingers crossed..

Hi folks -- I just replaced the ignition switch module on my 2006 987, but key still gets stuck in new ignition. Releases with the tool, but that 'switch' in the ignition collar hole seems pretty fragile. I suspect that would break fairly soon and leave me with a stuck key & no way to remove. Did anyone solve how to fix this once the faulty ignition is replaced? I've read probably every thread online about the ignition switch problem and seen some posters with a stuck key after replacement, but no solutions posted. Thanks for any suggestions!

Thanks for posting, as that confirms a new ignition probably wont fix it. I called a couple of locksmiths. They told me they can usually reset security systems on most vehicle brands.. but not Porsche . Software is proprietary and not available to locksmith for reprogramming security system. I sure as hell don't want to take it to the "stealership" if I don't have to. any other ideas?

I get the feeling there's some variability here, because I've see people post that everything was perfect after the ignition module was replaced. I sense that the people who still have keys sticking after the ignition module is replaced (like me) may be in the minority. So I don't want to discourage you from replacing it, it could possibly solve your problem. Part was close to $300, but the job was fairly simple with a couple of tips I found online.

OK, following up again, my situation somehow resolved itself. I don't really know how. Here's the entirety of what I did: Replaced battery & ignition module. Car works fine. Key still gets stuck in new ignition. Removed key with tool. Disconnected positive battery terminal for about an hour (without any key in ignition). Reconnected battery & drove car for about 30 minutes, hoping the key issue would be resolved. Key still stuck in ignition after driving. Removed key with tool. Gave up for the day. About 24 hours later, went out and started the car (didn't drive it), key comes out of ignition normally. Tried both keys and they both work normally. I have no idea what happened to fix this. Maybe something in the car reprogrammed itself somehow after that first drive, but didn't become evident until I tried it again the next day. Glad it's fixed, but wish I could say what was done to fix it...

I like a story with a happy ending! Ill try the battery disconnect/ reconnect and pray to the Porsche God for similar outcome. Ill will post my findings here.

Anyone able to shed light on the "key stuck in the ignition after a dead battery " situation? Battery disconnect/ reconnect didnt do it, and thee are no settings on the vehicles security system to make the ignition want to let go of the key when the ignition is off. Hey were you able to get this issue fixed? I was going to buy a new ignition switch for about $350 , but I cannot return the part in case it doesn't fix the problem. Any advice would be appreciated! Cheers for now!

Not exactly sure from your post what your current problem is. as your ignition already flaky? In my case, I knew the ignition switch module was causing intermittent problems before I replaced it, including (I believe) killing the battery when the car was unused. Can you get the key out by poking the tool into the hole on the ignition switch? I replaced the switch and it solved my problem (see a few posts up in thread), but I can't tell from your post exactly what your current issue is.

Where is this info in the manual? I have a 2007 and cannot find any info on a key tool or how to remove the key if locked in the ignition.

Key removal info from FAQ: Ignition Key & Key Lock

Thank you Clownstrike!

I can get the key out using the metal rod. I had no problems with the ignition switch prior to the battery going dead. Now it is stuck in the ignition switch after I turn the ignition off. Looks like replacing the ignition switch is the next step in the process!

I figured out after the fact that the ignition switch going bad was causing battery drain and killing the battery , so you may be in the same situation. If you can't get the key out, you can still do the ignition switch replacement. You can leave the key intact, and the plastic trim around the ignition will deform just enough to pull it off around the key without breaking (or at least mine did). To make it a little easier, pop the key fob open and use the little spring switch inside to remove the rest of the key fob from the metal key. That will leave just the metal key piece stuck in the ignition and makes it easier to remove. You can break open the old ignition switch if necessary once it's out to get your key back.

I NEED YOU TO COME FIX MINE LIKE THAT. I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS YOU GUYS. BEEN USING A PICK FOR ALMOST A YEAR TO REMOVE KEY EVERY TIME......LOL. REALLY WOULD LIKE TO FIX, I REPLACED IGNITION BUT GETTING READY TO TAKE OLD ONE APART AND SEE IF I CAN BYPASS THE KEY LOCK OR SOMETHING. IT DRIVES ME CRAZY!!!!!! THANKS FOR POSTING EVERYONE, IT HELPS ME WITH SO MANY THINGS EVEN WHEN YOU DONT HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS. SOMETIMES ITS GOOD TO KNOW WHAT DIDNT WORK....

I know this is an older thread, My 06 manual is just starting to do this, I saw a fix or someithing to check on a video online, but it only applied to PDK 's as there is a sensor or switch in the front of the shifter housing that if it does not go back up when in park it will not activate the solenoid in the ignition switch to release the key. I may just pull my switch out and take it apart and have my brother who works with high end stereos and circut boards are his thing take a look at it for me.