If you have Ignition Switch Problems? read this long rant!

Audi Logic · 04-22-2006, 10:27 AM

there has been several posts referring to ignition switch problems so I wanted to inform you guys about an issue that is not in the FAQ (at least I didn't see it anywhere)...

(1) this issue is for those who replaced their switch and the radio no longer turns on/off with ignition

(2) those who have a hard time turning the key in the ignition even without the steering lock

(3) those who seem to be going through switches like condoms at a frat party...

there is a small piston located inside the base of the mechanical section of the switch that may be missing (see item 1)
or not aligned or inserted correctly (items 2 and 3)
its chrome and looks like this

this piston is what causes the switch to break as in the picture below if it is not inserted properly back into position.

It may also be missing in some cases which will not allow the switch to control the radio on/off function. This happens when the switch is removed and the pin is already loose and falls out or someone turns the key with the switch out of place which makes it fall out.

inside the back of the mechanical side of the switch is a shaft that looks like this

the piston goes into the half circle and down into a small hole at the back of the mechanism which leads to the key.

on the ignition switch you can see the other part of the circle (highlighted in red)

The Flaw in all the switches (old, new, factory or aftermarket) is free space which allows the small piston to move out of position, when this happens on the old style switch it breaks the tip of the switch away as in the second picture above.
On the newer switches they used a stronger material on the tip so it would not break as easy but now they break internally, which is just as bad.

So if you plan on doing this job be sure to check that the little piston is in place before you put the new switch in, also be sure that it moves freely..

Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah

oh I think I'm done yapping

snowman '92 100 · 04-22-2006, 01:03 PM

EDIGREG · 04-22-2006, 03:40 PM

Audi Logic · 04-22-2006, 03:55 PM

Pacs Legend · 04-22-2006, 05:38 PM

so basically your saying before you install a new switch just make sure the piston is actually there, and is firm and moves up and down, but not side to side? because i just replaced mine in jan. and its already bad.
Mark

Audi Logic · 04-22-2006, 06:06 PM

itzed · 04-22-2006, 06:34 PM

S6 4RiNGS · 04-22-2006, 11:26 PM

DM · 04-23-2006, 05:24 AM

BigMouse · 04-23-2006, 07:51 PM

thanks to the guy at America's Tire Company who didn't know to turn the key off again after the engine didn't start on the first crank.

04-22-2006, 10:27 AM	#1
Audi Logic AudiWorld Senior Member Account #: 61186 Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 3,467	If you have Ignition Switch Problems? read this long rant! there has been several posts referring to ignition switch problems so I wanted to inform you guys about an issue that is not in the FAQ (at least I didn't see it anywhere)... (1) this issue is for those who replaced their switch and the radio no longer turns on/off with ignition (2) those who have a hard time turning the key in the ignition even without the steering lock (3) those who seem to be going through switches like condoms at a frat party... there is a small piston located inside the base of the mechanical section of the switch that may be missing (see item 1) or not aligned or inserted correctly (items 2 and 3) its chrome and looks like this this piston is what causes the switch to break as in the picture below if it is not inserted properly back into position. It may also be missing in some cases which will not allow the switch to control the radio on/off function. This happens when the switch is removed and the pin is already loose and falls out or someone turns the key with the switch out of place which makes it fall out. inside the back of the mechanical side of the switch is a shaft that looks like this the piston goes into the half circle and down into a small hole at the back of the mechanism which leads to the key. on the ignition switch you can see the other part of the circle (highlighted in red) The Flaw in all the switches (old, new, factory or aftermarket) is free space which allows the small piston to move out of position, when this happens on the old style switch it breaks the tip of the switch away as in the second picture above. On the newer switches they used a stronger material on the tip so it would not break as easy but now they break internally, which is just as bad. So if you plan on doing this job be sure to check that the little piston is in place before you put the new switch in, also be sure that it moves freely.. Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah oh I think I'm done yapping

04-22-2006, 01:03 PM	#2
snowman '92 100 Member Account #: 58837 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 2,883	Dude, thanks for the post. My radio doesn't turn off with the switch, too. I'll have to look into it __________________ _________________________________________________ the siggy -pete- 100/A6 FAQ

04-22-2006, 03:40 PM	#3
EDIGREG AudiWorld Senior Member Account #: 98377 Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 4,334	Same! I'll look into it, thanks __________________ Ed

04-22-2006, 03:55 PM	#4
Audi Logic AudiWorld Senior Member Account #: 61186 Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 3,467	to see inside where the switch mounts use a small mirror and a flashlight

04-22-2006, 05:38 PM	#5
Pacs Legend New Member Account #: 47379 Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 145	Re: If you have Ignition Switch Problems? read this long rant! so basically your saying before you install a new switch just make sure the piston is actually there, and is firm and moves up and down, but not side to side? because i just replaced mine in jan. and its already bad. Mark

04-22-2006, 06:06 PM	#6
Audi Logic AudiWorld Senior Member Account #: 61186 Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 3,467	Pretty much! if its not there you may have to rig something or live without

04-22-2006, 06:34 PM	#7
itzed New Member Account #: 100179 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 196	My radio turns off if you push the switch in w/the key, but not if you don't.

04-22-2006, 11:26 PM	#8
S6 4RiNGS Member Account #: 24534 Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 5,202	I went through 3 switches from AutoHauzAZ before I bought one OEM from the stealer! __________________ 07 Lexus IS350 Tungsten Pearl/Black + NAV + Mark Levinson 95 Audi S6 w/Lots of Mods

04-23-2006, 05:24 AM	#9
DM New Member Account #: 11952 Join Date: Oct 2000 Posts: 67	I just put in my third switch, what makes the dealer one better? __________________ 1992 100cs quattro

04-23-2006, 07:51 PM	#10
BigMouse Member Account #: 19815 Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 2,643	I've actually had the metal part on the back of the tumbler break off in a new switch... thanks to the guy at America's Tire Company who didn't know to turn the key off again after the engine didn't start on the first crank. __________________ 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro (20vt running on Megasquirt) 1992 Audi 100cs Quattro Avant (Auto-2-Manual converted) 2001 A4q Sport 1.8T (RedRummy's) 1986 Audi 5000tq (GONE!) 1988 Audi 80 Quattro (GONE!) 1989 Audi 200tq (RedRummy's, GONE!)

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