Audi A4 B6 (2001 - 2005) - 02 A4 ignition/ steering lock problem

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Sat 22 Dec 2007 09:56
02 A4 ignition/ steering lock problem - Group B
My Dad got a problem with his 52-plate A4. He dropped the key before getting in the car, and may have put the key in the ignition with some soil on it...

He made an initial journey and the car started and ran okay but the interior light would not go out. He attended a meeting then returned to the car and now the steering lock will not release.

He's tried all sorts of jiggling of wheel and key, then applied a little brute force. The key now turns 180 degrees in the ignition and turns the radio on but will not turn on the ignition (will not start the car), and the steering wheel will not unlock.
The central locking seems to have gone awry, it sometimes locks all doors except the drivers, sometimes locks only the drivers.

Has anyone else had this happen? Does it sound like the ignition barrel is wrecked?

Do you think trying to clean it will help; my Dad intends to squirt some WD40 into the ignition and work the key in and out?
Clutching at straws I wondered if the spinning ignition was a security feature as it thinks the wrong key has been inserted? (Never tried the wrong key in an Audi ignition so dont know what it does).

Any ideas how much for a new ignition barrel? Will a VAG specialist independant be able to code it to the car or is it main dealer only?

Just tried to ring the local VAG indie but unsurprisingly they are not working today.

Any advice much appreciated,

Rich.

Edited by Pugugly {P} on 22/12/2007 at 09:57

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Sat 22 Dec 2007 11:42
02 A4 ignition/ steering lock problem - Group B
We've managed to half sort the problem. We undid the reach/ rake adjustment lever and did more waggling, and eventually got the steering lock to disengage and the engine to start.
Sounds silly now, but he's had the car 3.5 years and not had a problem with the steering lock before.

There are still electrical issues, interior light staying on and central locking is not working on the drivers door, and the key does not feel "right" in the ignition. But at least he can now start the car and stay mobile, and start doing his Christmas shopping!

Seems the drivers door electrics have somehow died as the electric window switches have failed as well as the central locking not working.

He's going to take it to a VAG indie garage next week and see if they can help.

Cheers and merry christmas all,

Rich. ;o)

Edited by Rich 9-3 on 22/12/2007 at 11:47

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Sat 22 Dec 2007 12:21
02 A4 ignition/ steering lock problem - Screwloose

Check the convenience module isn't swimming for it's life under the front passenger's feet.
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Sat 22 Dec 2007 13:07
02 A4 ignition/ steering lock problem - Group B
Thankyou Screwloose I will tell him to look at that.
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