Ferrari Mailing List: Re: FW: 308 ignition key problem

[Adam (flatcrank]

As a rule, especially in any older model, don't have anything hanging  
off the ignition key (beyond maybe a remote fob.)  It's a common thing  
to see someone with a "wad" of keys for everything they've ever owned  
reporting ignition key problems.  That you've had the same problem in  
a second car that's a relatively young 2000 model Ford suggests  
there's a problem with the singer more than the song. : )

The suggestion to try another key is good.  Also, try getting a copy  
of the existing key cut.  And apply just a tiny dusting of "powdered  
graphite" to the key then use the key to transfer the graphite to the  
lock barrel.  This can help with wear-and-tear binding.  Using a cut  
copy of the key will "sharpen" the key and perhaps help align the pins  
in the barrel to let it rotate freely to hit the starter.   
Alternatively, if you can only get the key to "on" or "run" but not  
turn far enough to crank the starter motor, you could put a temporary  
wiring and button for the starter.  This is a "shade tree mechanic"  
workaround, but would get you to the church on time.


Cheers,

ps.  I helped a friend in the Aussie Navy work on his privately  
imported 308 (the then unpopular fibreglass body, which we thought  
looked like it had pretty damn good paint on it, but the "kit car"  
reputation wasn't helped by seeing fibreglass.)  We had a lot of fun  
with that car.  I have a vivid memory of lying under the car,  
balancing the engine on pieces of wood while he lowered it down enough  
(by jacking up the body) to get at some impossibly hidden wiring.  One  
slip and I would have been wearing that V8 as a medallion on my  
chest.  He drove that car all the time and took it to compete in hill- 
climbs.  It never let him down and I don't remember it ever even once  
failing to answer the key.  It seemed like every time I'd visit him  
the car was in immaculate condition inside and out, but he'd always be  
rebuilding a carb or replacing a fuel line or a brake line.  But sure  
enough, we'd get it back together and ceremoniously fire her up.   
There'd always been someone come over to see "The Ferrari" when they  
heard it clear its lungs.  A very "hands on" introduction to Ferrari  
for me. : )


On Sep 28, 2008, at 12:24 PM, Michel Y Savard wrote:

> Michel
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Michel Savard [mailto:mysavard [at] dsuper.net]
> Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2008 2:30 PM
> To: 'ferrari [at] ferrarilist.com'
> Subject: FW: 308 ignition key problem
>
>
>
>
>
> I have a 1981 308 GTSi. I just can't turn my key anymore. I can put it
> at ON and turn on the lights and other things. The problem started  
> last
> year, but I could always manage to play around with the key to make it
> start the engine. But today was impossible, I gave up after 15 minutes
> of trying.
>
> I need to have it fix before next Sunday because I have a full  
> racetrack
> day at Mont-Tremblant with the Ferrari dealership.
>
> How expensive are those key barrels (that's how we call them here in
> Quebec) on 308s ?
> Do I need to absolutely have a Ferrari key barrel ?
> Can I use an after market type ?
>
> Thanks for the help ?
>
> Funny thing is the same thing happened to me with my 2000 Ford Focus 2
> weeks ago. It cost me $290.00 to have the key barrel change.
>
> Michel Savard
>
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