unintended...

[urquattro]

... well, here are a few more data points ... same procedure used for each
test: lock column with key out of ignition lock, insert key and turn to "ON"
position, confirm that wheel turns freely past lock point, turn key to "OFF"
position and test whether or not the column locks, remove key from ignition
lock cylinder and test that the column locks.

1978 Audi Fox GTI ... column continues to rotate freely until key is
removed.
1983 Audi quattro turbo coupe ... column continues to rotate freely until
key is removed.
1991 Audi V8 5-speed ... column continues to rotate freely until key is
removed.
1988 Audi 5kCSQA ... column locks when key is turned to off position.
1985 Audi 4kSQ ... unavailable for testing.

... so the caveat to check how your car operates is highly recommended.  In
my case I'm not too worried as the only way the Avant is going to hurt me is
if it falls on me ... and I can't seem to find time to actually crawl
underneath it.  I find it interesting that two type 44s have different
behavior ... I will most definitely look into the differences between the
Avant and the V8, and probably add the "upgrade" to the laundry list of
ToDos for that car.  It sure seems to me that the preferred behavior would
be for the column to remain freely turning until the key is removed ...

Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)


> Both of my Audis ('84 4KSQ, '89 200Q) and my VeeDub ('85 A2 GTi) lock
> with a turn of the key, removal is not necessary. Sometimes, depending
> upon where the steering is engaged at the time, the wheel doesn't lock
> until about 1/8 turn of the steering wheel to one side or the other, but
> it will lock if the key is turned to the lock position, key in or not.