[s-cars] Failed attempt to replace ignition switch

[Tom Rodriguez]

Thanks to all who replied to my post last week.

I followed Tom Green's advice and went back into the dash this morning with a good light, and sharp pick probe, and an extendable mirror wand.  I found the two set screws deep in the threaded holes of the bracket.  I had not previously realized these are headless grub screws so I didn't expect them to be so far down in the holes that I couldn't see them.  I backed them out with a small screwdriver, replaced the ignition switch and re-tightened the screws.  While I was in there I also replaced all my dash light bulbs with 2-watt bulbs.  All is good.  Now, on to the next task...

Tom Rodriguez
'95 S6, 280K miles

-----Original Message-----
From: S-CAR-List [mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Tom Green
Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2017 12:24 AM
To: s-car-list at audifans.com
Subject: Re: [s-cars] Failed attempt to replace ignition switch

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


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