Ignition stuck

[sidhuh]

Hi all

newbie here and have been around the site but not finding what I need. Basically purchased a stolen/recovered by police Boxster (1999, midnight blue, beige interior). now it came with one key (no buttons on it but has a Led light that doesn't come on when you press it) which opens the door, doesn't central lock i.e. locks driver door but not passenger and its party trick is when you place it in the ignition nothing happens. it stays in position 0 and will not go to 1 hence no chance of position 2 :-)

Things unknown - how long its been idle and what the "other key" should look like as it looks like this is the spare key. Dealership has been contacted and it's reasonable for what they are saying for a new master key however it would be good if the key i had could start the car.

any advice truly appreciated and would aid immensely

Harinder

[Loren]

Both the drivers keys (usually two) for a MY99 car have one button and should both lock and unlock the car as well as the ignition.

The valet key is a lighter gray and does not have any buttons - it will work on the drivers door (key lock) and the ignition.

I suggest you write down your VIN and visit your local dealer - with proof of ownership. They can tell you if you have the right key cut (for the metal part of the key). If the programming is wrong then you will need to buy a new key and have it programmed to the car - the car will need to be present for this procedure. Perhaps they can cut a metal key to allow you to drive the car down for programming. Once a key is programmed it can not be changed.

[sidhuh]

Both the drivers keys (usually two) for a MY99 car have one button and should both lock and unlock the car as well as the ignition.

The valet key is a lighter gray and does not have any buttons - it will work on the drivers door (key lock) and the ignition.

I suggest you write down your VIN and visit your local dealer - with proof of ownership. They can tell you if you have the right key cut (for the metal part of the key). If the programming is wrong then you will need to buy a new key and have it programmed to the car - the car will need to be present for this procedure. Perhaps they can cut a metal key to allow you to drive the car down for programming. Once a key is programmed it can not be changed.

Hi Loren

Many thanks for replying. What's thrown me is that the key opens the door so working on the loose assumption that the key given would start the car. Local dealer for London (west) has quoted £150 for new key and to reprogramme the car and given what I got the car for and what it's worth this seems like a bargain (but when you add the need to put it on a truck or carrier to get it there it blurs that bargain value :D )

will ask about the key to drive - the key provided though will remain a mystery :-)

reading around this is a fabulous forum. now have the confidence to change the lights, add the missing front bumper and becker cd (noted need to visit dealer to code so will do this all at same time as keys)

many thanks again

Harinder

[Loren]

There is certainly a chance that the ignition switch is bad - a fairly common problem. Look in the 996 Carrera DIY - Common Fixes for a DIY on ignition switch replacement. I would just make sure that you have the right key - which a dealer should be able to do.