Ignition problems

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 15, 2006 | 03:40 PM

TropicGreen

Thread Starter

New Member

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 74

Likes: 0

Ignition problems

I am pretty sure it is the ignition switch, but I will ask just to be sure.

What part needs to be replaced when you put the key in the car, start the car, and the key is not automatically pushed back so the starter is not engaged?
I already had it replaced once under the recall, and it broke after 2 years this time.

1997 A4 2.8 Quattro

Thanks, guys!

Aug 15, 2006 | 04:16 PM

Allroady DungBeetle

AudiWorld Super User

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 12,419

Likes: 0

Try some good penetrating oil in there first.....

Spray a little PB Blaster, ZEP, Wurth "Rost Off" or some other good oil in there and work the key back and forth a bunch.

It's probably just a little sticky...... but you may need a new switch. If the spring loaded action is not working, it's in the switch itself to answer the question directly.

By the way even WD 40 will work in this case, but the other oils are 200% better.

Aug 15, 2006 | 04:20 PM

TropicGreen

Thread Starter

New Member

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 74

Likes: 0

Switch is broken

I felt it break 2 days ago, and now the spring seems to work in the opposite direction. It pushes the key towards the on position and when I pull it out, it isn't in the lock position. When I open the door, it beeps at me like the key is still in the ignition.

What fun it will be to take the steering wheel off!

Thanks, though.

Aug 15, 2006 | 04:39 PM

Allroady DungBeetle

AudiWorld Super User

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 12,419

Likes: 0

Ahhhh, from your description it sounded sticky. Yup, you need a new one.

Aug 16, 2006 | 01:26 PM

CK NYoC

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 1,808

Likes: 0

From: NY

you need a new switch, i think i'm on my 3rd one after the recall.

Aug 19, 2006 | 12:38 PM

jbrentd

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 1,373

Likes: 21

Does anyone know the details of the recall

i.e. what MYs are covered and is it still going on? Mine has been acting up the past couple of weeks.

Aug 19, 2006 | 05:34 PM

TropicGreen

Thread Starter

New Member

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 74

Likes: 0

Details of the one that covered my car

The dealership said it no longer was in effect for my car. Not sure if that is because they replaced it once already or not, but they replaced my switch and starter for free due to "consequential damage." Forgot to tell my dad about the problem when he borrowed the car and the starter went out.

Recall Number: 00V317000
Dates Manufactured: OCT 1995 to AUG 1997
Number of Vehicles Affected: 27900
Date Owners Notified On: JUN 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC IGNITION SWITCH HOUSING CAN FRACTURE AT THE RETURN SPRING ANCHOR POINT. FRACTURE OF THE HOUSING COULD CAUSE THE RETURN SPRING FORCE TO BE INSUFFICIENT FOR RETURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO THE RUNNING POSITION AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE.
Consequence of Defect:
THIS CONDITION CAUSES ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES SUCH AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Corrective Action:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.