Re: ignition key mechanicals, 88 90

[harrison <hsapir@multiverse.com>]

This happened to me a few months back. I forget what size, but it was a torx
head with a pin in the center so that a torx bit will not help. The tools
are available from Snap-On or others I assume. In any case, after an hour
screwing around with it, I realized that the easiest way to do the job was
pulling the column out. After that, it's a snap. I had a spare used one to
throw in it.

Dennis Ruffing wrote:

> Friends,
>
> I've got a busted piece on the ignition switch for my 88' 90.
>
> As you may know, the switch setup is modular, comprising of the key
> section and, plugged into the back of it, the electronic switch which is
> driven should the tumblers decide the key is okey-dokey.
>
> Well, in a strange occurence for an Audi, the electrical part is fine
> (these must go regularly as the parts guy @ audi knew the part number by
> heart), but the mechanical's have busted.  Specifically, the tab that
> sticks out the back of the mechanicals and drives the switch section has
> snapped off.
>
> My question:  anybody BTDT with taking the lock mechism off of the
> steering column? From the passenger compartment-side, there appears to
> be a torx head indentation to loosen, but it has a round piece sticking
> up in the center of it, preventing my torx driver from going in.
>
> Is there some way in which this pollop can be depressed or does this
> require a special tool torx driver of some type?
>
> Is there another bolt holding the unit on that I'm not seeing?
>
> Lastly, can this whole component be broken apart, separating the key
> tumblers from the rest of the mechanicals (i.e., I want to keep my ign
> key and replace the broken part.)?
>
> I've got the Audi Salvage junkyard close to hoime with a couple of these
> units in there.  Beats payin' the dealership $100 to keep their floors
> shiny.
>
> Audieux,
>
> Dennis
>
> 88 90, 225k
> 88 90q, 115k,
> Wife Cheryl, 5 yrs,
> Son Luke, 2yrs,
> Daughter Bridget, 2 weeks.
>
> --
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Dennis M. Ruffing
> Applications Engineering. Altia, Inc.
> 719-598-4299
> mailto:dennisr@altia.com, http://www.altia.com