Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Temporary solution: 308 ignition key barrel

[LtWacko (ltwacko]

I remember this solution from Mercedes.  25 year old solution but I think this 
might apply.  Please correct me if I'm wrong.

The keys are naturally softer than the tumblers in the lock.  This way the key 
wears and all you to do is use your spare or get a fresh copy from the code.  
The problem is the key filings eventually fill up the lock.  Sticking in the 
little red straw with a WD-40 can attached into the ignition lock, you flush 
out the filings with a few burst.  My local dealer did this at regular service 
intervals.  If you don't, the tumblers would fail prematurely and you would 
have to drill out the lock in order to replace.  

I don't know if the Ferrari ignition can handle a spritz of WD-40 so try this 
at your own risk.  I never had a problem with any of my old MB's or old BMW's.  
I was amazed how many shavings came out the first time I did this.  It was no 
wonder I was having difficulty in the first place.  


Rodney


In a message dated 09/30/08 05:16:22 Central Daylight Time, ferrari-request 
[at] ferrarilist.com writes:
Message: 1 
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:22:25 -0400 (EDT) 
From: mysavard [at] dsuper.net 
Subject: [Ferrari] [Fwd: Temporary solution: 308 ignition key barrel] 
To: ferrari [at] ferrarilist.com 
Cc: The FerrariList <ferrari [at] ferrarilist.com> 
Message-ID: <3455.96.20.23.158.1222726945.squirrel [at] webmail.look.ca> 
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1 



1981 308 GTSi: Today I sprayed some silicone on the key and put the key 
into the ignition. After 2 or 3 tries I was able to start the car. I did 
the same thing with my 2000 Ford Focus last spring and it worked for about 
3 months. I'm not taking any chances, I'll try to change it (key barrel) 
as soon as possible. My mechanic wasn't at the garage today. I'll talk to 
him tomorrow and see what he thinks he can do. 

Thanks for the quick feedbacks! 

Michael Savard