[s-cars] Starters and Ignition Switches

[David Forgie]

One of the annoying niggling problems with the C4 AAN S4/S6 is the ignition switch. 
It has been the source of at least one recall:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsummary.cfm?rcl_campaign_id=96V017000&prod_id=62103&moduletype=VEHICLE&make=AUDI&model=S6&veh_model_year=1995&searchtype=DrillDown

If you missed the recall or it was already done and your ignition switch isn't working right, you need
 to replace it because it will eventually stick "on" in the start position and ruin your starter. 

The ignition switch part number is 4A0 905 849B. DO NOT get the cheap white replacement on this
 one. Get the Genuine VW/Seat/Skoda/Audi part which should be black.  Make sure you get the 
replacement ignition switch from the dealer.
 
Here is a good replacement procedure (with photos):
 
http://forums.audiworld.com/s4s6/msgs/204624.phtml
 
If you didn't catch the switch and replace it before it failed, you may find that your starter stuck on
and now the car doesn't start. Don't feel too bad, it has happened alot lately. Here is one example:
 
http://forums.audiworld.com/s4s6/msgs/229755.phtml
 
Here is another (with an interesting ignition switch recall story):
 
http://forums.audiworld.com/s4s6/msgs/6819.phtml

As a result, you will have to replace your starter (not a big job) but PITA (and wallet).
 
Checking with my part's girl, Kate, the PN for the AAN starter is:
 
034 911 023 (with or without an X = rebuilt)
 
Here is a sign that another 5 cyl Audi starter will work:
 
http://forums.audiworld.com/s4s6/msgs/39332.phtml  (YMMV)
 
Checking further with Kate, she says that even a 1988 Audi 200 lists 
a 034 911 023 X along with a 035 911 023 LX (both 1.4 kW). The
034 911 023 (with or without the X) always seems to get flagged as 
Bosch.
 
Hope this helps somebody. 
 
Dave F.