Key stuck in ignition after dead battery replacement

[gry]

MY'99 C4 Cab

Besides taking the 996 to Porsche, is there a trick to removing the key from the ignition?

I called the 800 roadside assistance center and they said that Porsche needs to remove the key and that the key is stuck in the ignition because the battery was completely dead.

Thanks.

[siddharth]

MY'99 C4 Cab

Besides taking the 996 to Porsche, is there a trick to removing the key from the ignition?

I called the 800 roadside assistance center and they said that Porsche needs to remove the key and that the key is stuck in the ignition because the battery was completely dead.

Thanks.

Forgive me for stating the obvious, but why not simply jump start the car or have AAA attach their "jump start battery" ? That means you will have a "battery" connected and your key should come out (if its stuck because of a dead battery).

[Long Islander]

MY'99 C4 Cab

Besides taking the 996 to Porsche, is there a trick to removing the key from the ignition?

I called the 800 roadside assistance center and they said that Porsche needs to remove the key and that the key is stuck in the ignition because the battery was completely dead.

Thanks.

I've never heard of a key being stuck in the ignition due to a dead battery. I thought the key insertion/removal was a purely mechanical process. Is your car Tiptronic, and if so, are you sure it's in Park? Is your steering wheel straight? Is the steering wheel stuck against the right or left side, locking it against the ignition lock? Try turning the steering wheel slightly to the left, with one hand while pulling on the key with your other hand. If that doesn't work, try the opposite.

[gry]

I brought it to the dealer.

Apparently, this is a new feature since 2003 in 911s, but I have a MY99 so they replaced my ignition lock/steer lock housing. It ended up costing a little over $400.

They re-calibrated my keys to the central locking system and re-enabled my radio.

Ahh, I found this thread that described my exact issue: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=493

Looks like I continue to be the coward here and pay the dealer to fix my issues. I do not have the patience or automotive skills to accomplish these fixes as many of you, but continue to be impressed by the knowledge on this board and the enthusiasm of the DYIers to correct these common Porsche issues.

Edited August 23, 2006 by gry