Ignition/Locking Problem
 

Hi, wondered ifanyone could shed light on this. My C4 is driving fine but when I parked up and tried to get the keys out the ignition I couldnt. Finally managed to but the lights on the dashboard stayed on and the radio was still lit up. When I got out the car it beeped at me once (usually signalling something is still open). Anyway, the key which usually remotley locks the car wouldnt work. so i locked it manually but that only locked the driver's main door- the other door remained unlocked! I got an AA guy to come and look at it. He said the key batteries were fine. He checked that everyhting was closed properly (ie the boot, engine door etc) and checked the fuse box. He also reset the computer - i think - but still nothing. I've had to leave it in a garage with the battery disconnected as otherwise the lights from the dashboard will drain it. I will take it to a specialist but before I do I wondered if you could giveme anidea of the problem....and potential cost of fixing?!

Thanks!

RE: Ignition/Locking Problem
 

Probably a bad ignition switch, and possibly the programming is lost out of that key. Have you tried the spare key yet?

RE: Ignition/Locking Problem
 

Thanks Doc. Yes, we did try the spare key but same problem....the car still wouldn't lock. I have been told by porsche (over the phone) it is possibly an electrical fault. This seems fairly obvious. I would be grateful for any other thoughts you may have, especially as to whether there is something I can do myself or whether I need to get the car professionaly fixed. If you could tell me why it happened that would also give me some peace of mind. Thanks again.

RE: Ignition/Locking Problem
 

Probably not a lot you can do unfortunetly. We are seeing the 996 and boxsters lose their key programming on occasion. There appears to be no rhime or reason to this. Sometimes the key gets dropped, sometime it sits in the sun, sometime it just happens. Dealer will probably reset the system and reprogram the keys.

The ignition switch on the cars is a known issue, I replace them all the time due to keys sticking in the ignition, not starting, etc. Cheap plastic $25 part.

RE: Ignition/Locking Problem
 

Let's hope! I'll let you know the outcome. Thanks again Doc.