Porsche Steering, Ignition Lock, or Driver’s Key
Dashboard Warning Messages Explained

Understanding Porsche Ignition Lock, Steering, or Driver Key Related Warning Messages

If you see a message or a warning light, such as ignition lock fault, on your Porsche dashboard, it’s important to take the appropriate action. This section covers what to do when messages associated with the steering, ignition lock, or your driver’s key appear on your Porsche dashboard.

Common Porsche Steering Related Warning Messages

Steering is pretty important! So a failure in the steering system or indeed a locked steering wheel can be dangerous or at least extremely inconvenient. Under some circumstances, steering lock faults for example, can be expensive problems to solve. If you have steering or ignition lock related warning messages that shows intermittently, do not ignore them.

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Porsche Ignition or Steering Lock Warning Messages

When you see a warning message that suggests an ignition or steering lock fault on your Porsche dashboard you need to seek the help of a Porsche specialist. The ignition or steering lock mechanism is electronically controlled and based around communication with the driver key. The faults shows when the security system cannot determine if the key is enabled for the ignition or if the system cannot control the locking or unlocking of the steering or ignition switch.

Replacing the battery in the key sometimes solves this problem, but more likely is an expensive repair to the system itself. Repairs can require some security based programming for keys and alarm systems, so it’s important to know that the repair is being conducted by a shop with the right skills.

On some older Porsche Cayenne models for example, this failure is very common and initially required replacement of the steering column. No fun! More details are available in our Cayenne common problems section.

Below are some examples of the Steering and ignition lock fault messages.

Power Steering Fault Messages Explained

Later models feature electronically assisted power steering. Fault messages associated with the power steering (see below) typically indicate a loss of steering assistance or support and suggest you can drive on. This means the steering will feel heavy and requires more effort. This can be a potentially dangerous situation and should be diagnosed as quickly as possible. Failure of the electronic power steering pump is quite common.

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Porsche Driver’s Key Dashboard Warning Messages Explained

The later vehicles with push button start, will now communicate dashboard messages related to the driver’s key. These messages can appear for a number of reasons that include; the key may not be in a place where it’s security data can be read correctly, or the battery in the key is weak and needs replacing, or indeed the key or the system reading it may be faulty.

Don’t ignore key related messages. Doing so could get you stranded, so take action quickly. Switch to a spare key and see if the message remains on the dash. Next, replace the key battery. The key should be in the middle of the car in the center console. Seek the help of a Porsche specialist.

Below are some examples of key related messages on Porsche dashboards.