wmbear19

So now that I have my ignition switch out, I am puzzled about what to do. My key still wont turn, and my wheels are still locked. I it worth just buying a new ignition switch and seeing if this works (they only seems to be around $25). I just need to get this car working. Let me stress that I just want to be able to start it and get it to the dealership of the new car I am looking at. I want to spend as little money as possible and have this car gone as soon as possible. Any suggestions are appreciated.

jacobhoupt

...i seriously think you have the wheel locked. My brother(car guru) and I(not mechanically retarded) sat in my 97 a6 for 10 minutes trying to start it before we realized the wheel lock was enabled. Push up on the wheel with your left hand, then turn the key.

wmbear19

I'm pretty sure that I pushed up on the wheel while trying to start it at least once during the 4 hours or so I have spent on it. Does the wheel lock effect just the wheels, steering wheel, or both and how do you get it to lock? It would be nice if this was the problem, I really don't want to spend the money on more parts.

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

try this. I couldn't turn the lock. It's been working ever since, no more stuck key problem.<ul><li><a href="http://www.freewebs.com/ltooz/96%20A6%20IGNITION%20STUCK%20IN%20LOCK%20FIXED.doc ">ignition_lock_fix</a></li></ul>

wmbear19

First off thanks for that detailed write up. That seems most likely to be my problem. However the lock cable entering the locking cylinder looks slightly different. There is just the cable with a sleeve over it entering the cylinder. Should I just apply the oil to the uncovered part of the cable here? I am just worried because I replaced my ignition switch and the ignition still wont turn at all. Thanks again.

whilst04

Hi. I had this problem.
It sounds like interlock cable to me.
Mine was jammed in the console by loose coins!
Either way,that's what I would zero in on.
After disassembly,I WD40 and cleaned everything up.Make sure shift lock solenoid functions properly,etc.

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

Bear,
The lock is actually at the shifter, if you use a small screw driver or envelop opener, you can release the lock by sticking it down at the cylinder lock and pry it away (it's spring loaded), when this spring loaded lock is open, you should be able to turn the lock, if the cable is rusty or stuck, you will feel the pressure.
To troubleshoot to see if the cylinder lock or the cable, pry off the cable off the hook at the ignition, it should be turning freely since there's no CABLE restricting it. Pulling the cable that runs down to the shiftlock is very hard if frictions are there. Make sure the cable is hookup at the ignition is straight.

Hope this help.