Can't remove key from ignition

[Razorman]

Hi, had a problem when my battery went flat (05 Boxster S) Managed to get the bonnet open and recharge it, but now it won't let me take the key out of the ignition. I know the emergency way to do it, but need to sort this out. Anyone had the same problem and found out what the problem was and the cure?

[Magic919]

My 997 needed some kind of module replacing when it did that. Has been fine since. Five minute job.

[SFO]

happened to me too .. needed a new ignition barrel

no idea how to get the key out .. car was flat bedded to OPC.

RAC man was clueless, despite speaking to Porsche Assistance who was trying to tell him how to remove it.

[Magic919]

There's a little cover on the ignition barrel and an appropriate 'pointer' on the fuse lid of mine.

[Razorman]

Magic
Do you know what module it was that was replaced and who did it for you?
You said it was a five minute job, but I understand that getting to the barrel is quite time consuming and needs a lot do dismantling of the dash board. Is that right?

[Magic919]

OPC Guildford did mine under warranty. Didn't get any paperwork, sorry. Was some sort of plug in module and didn't even need a mechanic to fit.

[Pope]

Check the location / condition of the relay in the fuse box (top right, marked 404 on top) this relay powers the ignition and instrument cluster. It can be dislodged when the emergency power pin is moved or can stick mechanically.

[Razorman]

The instrument cluster works fine though. If this relay was a problem wouldn't the instrument cluster be affected as well?

[Pope]

It has more than one output so could cause issues either way.

[Razorman]

OK thanks.
Is there some special way to remove it? Tried just pulling it, but it does not seem to want to move.
Also if I do manage to remove it is there anyway to test it or just buy a new to see?
Any idea how much a new one would be?
Regards
Ray

[Pope]

The relay is 19 quid or so and literally just pushes in onto the board you can use the yellow fuse puller in the fuse board if you are gentle with it.

You can test it by bridging terminals 30 87 and 87b just like any other standard relay

Is the battery fully charged and are all the fuses OK?

[Chief kegwin]

The steering lock is a generic fault on the boxster, the ignition lock is around £110 to £130 for the part. Mine was done recently by a local specialist who quoted 2 hours labour and the part, which wasn't too bad as another garage 17 miles away said 1 1/2 hours plus the part. As there wasn't much difference I went to the local garage 3 miles away. However they added on an hours labour to diagnose the fault! Which my wife diagnosed in under a minute! So I had the pleasure of paying £81 for the mechanic to clarify that what I had told him was in fact "the key won't come out the ignition". So their creative invoicing becomes a lost customer and probable trading standards investigating this con. I am sure the owner of the garage knows I work for a government agency and have been involved in the motor trade for over 30 years and still they make up a pack of lies to justify ripping off people. Might even go to rogue traders and watchdog, in the meantime I just warn all porsche owners that I meet what to expect.

[LarJammer]

Chief kegwin said:

Which my wife diagnosed in under a minute!

perhaps you should get your wife to fix your car, she is clearly a fully qualified mechanic with the ability to diagnose faults via telepathy.

[Chief kegwin]

Strangely enough she's a lawyer , but knows her cars