I used to think it was my imagination, but now I'm sure of the behaviour.

Background:

If you turn your drivers door key counter clockwise (top towards the front of the car) you will unlock your car (big surprise). If you turn the key clockwise, you will lock it.

Scenario:

You go to unlock the car but accidentallt turn it clockwise instead of counterclockwise (you ask the car to lock instead of unlock). Do you ever notice how it is very difficult to then turn the key in the proper direction to unlock? It's like the car is resisting the truning of the key. (Some anti-theft / anti-lock-pick feature I suspect)

Appropriate action:

Ignoring the question of how the heck the car does that, I am wondering what the proper behaviour is once you have started this scenario. I'm not sure whether I should try to add lots of muscle and force the key to turn and unlock or whether I should take the key out for 2 or 3 seconds before trying again. Both methods work, but neither action seems to be the best. I always wonder if I am damaging the lock a little more each time I do this. I guess I know now why Audi makes that key so thick and strong.

Any comments?

Gordon Martin
98.5 2.8QMS (Santorin Blue)

nt

Gordon Martin
98.5 2.8QMS (Santorin Blue)

i noticed it too.
since I don't have my trunk lining in place (working on stereo) i can hear the vacuum pump clearly..

The car is just locking all the doors based on you lock request, including the door you are locking. Hence the resistance. I just wait a second, the lock sequence completes, then I unlock.

1996 a4 2.8 qm (with aftermarket alarm for remote)

I'm sure you're right - but the key's inability to move during this period must be a feature they added (maybe via vacuum action) rather than a natural offshoot of trying trying to lock the doors...