[V8] Ignition Switch Replacement

[bw at UDel.Edu]

-To get to the ignition switch I have taken out all the 5mm Allen bolts that hold 
the dash pad onto the aluminum frame, including the ones in the center vent 
and under the cluster lip. 
-Pop dash UP and out  like a box lid hinged at the windshield. A wedge shaped 
pop-in fastener, about 1/3 in from right, holding the inside of the dash needs to 
be lifted up and out of its spring metal holder to clear the metal dash frame 
before pulling out toward the seats and out the passenger door. 
-Now, you can see the top of the electrical ignition switch. There is red sealing 
wax over the two small flat head set screws that hold the two horizontal fins of 
the switch, v-grooves are up. Use a pointed knife to remove the wax 
completely. 
-Unscrew the set screws to a height just above the aluminum frame, but do not 
back them out beyond 1/16" so they stay in the frame. One screw can be 
accessed thru a 1/2" hole in the metal dash frame. This would be easier w/o the 
windshield, but there is just enough room to wedge your head in to view the 
operation if you are kneeling on a protected passenger seat. 
-Remove the knee cover in the drivers footwell. There is an 8mm headed bolt 
above the gas pedal that is hard to see while removing the obvious bolts. Now, 
you can reach up under the dash and slide the electrical switch off the 
mechanical switch. 
-Remove the electrical junction scocket from the switch and replace the troubled 
one, that will never be of any use again, with a new one. Trash the old one. 
  -If Audi had made the set screws face downward- this whole operation could 
take place from this position in the footwell looking up. 
-I found it easier to slide the switch in and then plug in the electrical junction. 
After allen head bolts everywhere, why not here as set screws where you need 
them because of the difficult access? 
-It all goes back together. -Don't forget to screw in the 1" square vent from the 
back of the dash before re-installing it. Next time, I will get a 7 or 30 day pill 
holder and label the bolts! No real need to remove the glove box since it only 
covers two of four bolts that hold the brackets for the air bag. Dropping the top 
cover of the glove box including the two phillips head screws at the hinge gives 
full access. The two 13mm headed bolts there will let you take off the glove box 
door. I need to find out why the latch doesn't spring to reset itself.   Bob 
-Good Luck making the 3 swivel vents work in both directions! 
Anyone know the secret to making the glove box latch spring back w/o 
manually reseting it to shut the lid? Maybe I need a new one?