ignition key won't turn.

[pjblakey]

My 1999 Boxster has a problem in cold weather only.

The ignition key will not turn at all if the car is cold and the ambient temperature is approaching freezing. Warm weather - no apparent problem.

I have tried WD40 in the key slot and cylinder well - no change.

When I attempt to turn the key in this condition, on occasion, the alarm will activate. Reinserting the key fixes that.

Also, the steering wheel does not lock during the cold weather.

Any ideas?

Is a new cylinder/set of keys necessary-is that a DIY fix or dealer?

[1schoir]

My 1999 Boxster has a problem in cold weather only.

The ignition key will not turn at all if the car is cold and the ambient temperature is approaching freezing. Warm weather - no apparent problem.

I have tried WD40 in the key slot and cylinder well - no change.

When I attempt to turn the key in this condition, on occasion, the alarm will activate. Reinserting the key fixes that.

Also, the steering wheel does not lock during the cold weather.

Any ideas?

Is a new cylinder/set of keys necessary-is that a DIY fix or dealer?

pj:

When you pull the key out after you have turned off the ignition (e.g., after the engine has been running), do you hear that familiar loud "clunk" emanating from the area of the key?

If you don't hear the "clunk", or if the " clunk" is delayed for a second or two after you pull out the key, you might get lucky with just replacing the electrical portion of the ignition switch. The part is cheap (about $10), and the swap only takes about 20 minutes. That part would be worth replacing before you go for the more expensive and more involved replacement of the entire assembly.

Regards, Maurice.

[pjblakey]

Thanks Maurice..

I installed a new electrical switch a couple of days ago after reading posts concerning dash lights staying on-lack of key "feel" and dead battery.

That fixed that problem.

The current problem was there prior to changing the electrical switch and I assume is due to either a faulty steering lock ***'y or key cylinder or both.

I'd like to determine if the cylinder is the more likely culprit, since I can pop that out fairly quickly though it's replacement and keys could be expensive.

I would suspect that the "clunk" sound you mention is made by a pin in the steering lock ***'y. I don't hear a clunk at all and the steering wheel does not lock. It used to lock and may still do so in warm weather. However could the lack of a clunk sound be caused by a malfunctioning key cylinder?

I thought about removing the cylinder to see if it can be cleaned or fixed without replacing it.

Thanks

PJ