29 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHJust replaced the ignition switch
Reported or suspected cause
only way
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that report identifying a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Reported cause
It takes another 15 minutes, but it was the ONLY way that i was able to loosen the far set screw.
Leading evidence: 'only way' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'only way' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check box at the counter' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
just trying to bend it out of the way (don't worry, once you have 1 end disconnected, the other end just pops free).
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Someone had I guess returned some "unused" bottles of oil after having replaced the oil with their used oil.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
Always check the box at the counter before accepting it.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
I always check now that any bottles of stuff I get at the auto parts store, any items in a box or plastic bag are factory sealed.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
A poster in a different forum recommended buying a screwdriver set from Harbor Freight tools for $10 that contained a flexible screwdriver shaft, which was a lifesaver when snaked through the hole made from removing the vent.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
I had a hard time believing that an ELECTRICAL switch could solve my seemingly obviously MECHANICAL issue, of being unable to twist my key past the accessory stage and remove my key from the ignition, but all the posts I saw said to replace the electrical switch first and that it would solve the mechanical issue...
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
29 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
1 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Outcome without a verified action link
Note that this was still not a miracle cure, it was still tough even from this new angle, but at least it made it do-able, when combined with #3 below.
At 33,000 miles, After the key getting stuck and the steering wheel lock not engaging without a tap to the dash, and the key removed but still saying key not removed I went to NAPA and got the ignition switch. I was skeptical that the electronics at the end of the keyed tumbler/wheel lock would fix the issue. But a clutch to the head and squeezing my hands to find the little screws, all is well! And only $12!
Good advice. And also agree that ii is sad that it is necessary. Was in a large chain auto parts store (used to be called Kragen's but some other chain bought it out and I can't remember the name now�. oh, it just came to me: O'Reilly.) oh over a year ago now and was looking at some oil and something caught my eye and I noticed a bottle of oil had the cap ring loose.
The cap had been unscrewed obviously. So, curious I unscrewed and removed the cap and the oil was old oil. Someone had I guess returned some "unused" bottles of oil after having replaced the oil with their used oil. I took the bottle up to the counter and let the clerks know.
I always check now that any bottles of stuff I get at the auto parts store, any items in a box or plastic bag are factory sealed. Same goes I might add for when I pick up food items at the store. I've come across club soda bottles with caps that have the cap ring loose which indicates the cap has been loosened and possible removed.
Just got my switch out, getting new part tomorrow. Would recommend a head lamp, being a gymnast and if you have sensitive soft hands like mine, a pair of work gloves to help grip the jeweler's screwdriver when loosening the set screws.
Here's a couple DIY's from around the web that I found useful:
http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site_3/R...on_Switch.html
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...ering_Lock.htm
Also, I called the dealership to see if I could get the part today instead of waiting until tomorrow. Yes, for a mere $31 increase in price you can get the part from the dealer.
these are all over EBAY from $5.98 - $12, free shipping, for VW, AUDI, Porsche, all the same part. At the dealer was $128. At VW/AUDI dealer was $78, same part-
Just want to thank all for this old post. Switch went out on my 2004 Turbo, Ordered a new switch from eBay and installed it on Saturday. Nice to have that switch working smoothly again.
Ken
Once I realized there were two set screws holding the switch in, it was pretty easy. Put in new horn plate also, I had the awesome hard braking and horn honking at same time. The only bad thing the old ignition switch was doing was occasional lights flashing when car was parked and locked. I'm glad I replaced it though as you can see the cracked part at the top.
I just did the switch replacement on my '02 C2.
There are apparently two electrical components, the first has a black plastic cylinder that goes into the lock (P/N 4A0 905 849), and one with a white cylinder (4B0 905 615). Naturally, I ordered the black one, and needed the white one. I do not know if the lock assembly had been replaced by the previous owner. Maybe my car had the black switch from the factory.
I did the switch removal after removing the horizontal ventilation duct, and I found that removing the switch was a literal pain. I had to go headfirst into the pedal box and back out five times, and spent 30 minutes in the foot well getting the switch out.
The good news is that the installation was a one-trip affair and took all of 5 minutes to complete. The key was a $8 screwdriver set from Harbor Freight which had an assortment of bits, a driver, and a miraculous 8" flexible shaft. The current URL for this set is
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-to...set-93916.html
.
The flexible shaft was the key - it's able to bend into a radius little greater than the switch itself. It made tightening the retaining screws in the lock assembly a breeze. After struggling mightily to get it out, the screwdriver set made the installation a piece of cake.
Are Harbor Freight tools of questionable quality? Yes, they are, but they're inexpensive enough that I would have paid many times the cost to spare me from going in and out from beneath the dash to insert the switch.
If you don't know what electrical part to get, they're cheap enough that I'd recommend getting one of each. If anyone needs a "black" switch, let me know and I'll get it out to you.
I just bought the new ignition switch including the mechanical portion. My electrical switch went bad in two years so I want to replace the whole thing. If anyone knows of a good DIY with pictures please post the link. I don't think I have seen one for the entire thing.
I had a hard time believing that an ELECTRICAL switch could solve my seemingly obviously MECHANICAL issue, of being unable to twist my key past the accessory stage and remove my key from the ignition, but all the posts I saw said to replace the electrical switch first and that it would solve the mechanical issue... ...and they were 100% correct! The minute I removed the switch, my key, which had been fully stuck in the ignition, just popped right out! Wow! It was almost miraculous!
That being said, I'm a small guy, and I had a horrible time loosening the 2 set screws. There is absolutely no room under the dash, and my arms didn't bend at the right places to get my hands up in there. The near set screw was hard to loosen, the far set screw was nearly impossible. So here's my tips:
1. Make sure to fully remove the hvac duct vs. just trying to bend it out of the way (don't worry, once you have 1 end disconnected, the other end just pops free). You NEED all the space you can get.
2. Take the advice of an earlier poster in this forum, and remove the side dash vent. It takes another 15 minutes, but it was the ONLY way that i was able to loosen the far set screw. Note that this was still not a miracle cure, it was still tough even from this new angle, but at least it made it do-able, when combined with #3 below.
3. A poster in a different forum recommended buying a screwdriver set from Harbor Freight tools for $10 that contained a flexible screwdriver shaft, which was a lifesaver when snaked through the hole made from removing the vent. BTW, the set screws need tiny flat blade screwdrivers, not Phillips.
Some people said this was a 30 minute job. Maybe for expert mechanics who have done this before and know what they are doing. For me, it took about 2 hours. But, at the end of the job, I'm thrilled to fix my Porsche 996 for just $10 plus another $10 in tools...
It is odd how this job has such different reviews. I did it in 15 or 20 minutes if i recall. Was expecting much worse. I must have posted in another thread. I will say i have small hands which come in handy but i am average height and weight. Completely removed the duct although i dont remember removing a second duct.
Either way, it was a very satisfying job as it made the key function much better.
