[s-cars] Failed attempt to replace ignition switch

[Tom Green]

Tom,

Make sure to use a bright light and a sharp pick to check for 
any screws that might be buried in the plastic switch.  If there
are none, someone must have replaced the switch not realizing the 
screws must be reused and lost them.  If it is super glue on the 
rail, I think you can pry the switch off with a wider blade to pry.

I would not use a shop that provided incorrect information about repairs.  
There was a recall on these switches and the Audi dealerships replaced this 
electrical switch just as you were attempting.  

Tom

> On Sunday, August 27, 2017, at 7:00 PM,"Tom Rodriguez" <trodri69 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Yesterday I finally attempted to replace my broken ignition switch,
> following the excellent how-to descriptions provided on Quattroworld
> URS4/URS6/RS2 FAQs.
> 
> All was progressing well until I got into the dash and found that the two
> screws that secure the ignition switch in place are missing (the ones that
> are described as having a red dot of paint to prevent them from vibrating
> loose). I used my small flat-head screwdriver to try to pry the ignition
> switch loose from the surrounding bracket.  The switch wouldn't budge.
> Something other than the two missing screws was holding it securely in the
> bracket.  I could see the screwdriver was simply gouging into the plastic
> body of the ignition switch, so rather than inflict further damage I stopped
> and reassembled the instrument cluster.  I started the car to make sure I
> had not F'd it up.
> 
> 
> Any idea what's going on here?  I recently told my Audi mechanic that I was
> going to undertake this project and he told me the ignition switch and lock
> cylinder must be replaced as a unit.  Is he right?  Was there some
> variability in how these units were installed at the factory?  I purchased
> this car at 70K miles and I have never replaced the ignition switch, so I am
> relatively certain this is the original.
> 
> Any insights would be appreciated.  My plan now is to pay my mechanic to do
> the job.
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Tom Rodriguez
> 
> '95 S6, 280K miles