Ignition Switch Difficult Turning?

**supersuk** · 12-11-2008 10:36 AM

I'm new to Audi's and am wondering if this is just my car or everyone elses....

When i put my key into the ignition switch and try to turn it, it is really difficult and sometimes impossible. Its like its stuck, sometimes it works if I push in real hard and other times it works perfectly. Almost seems like something is loose or not engaging in there. Any ideas before I take it to the dealership?

**dave405nyc** · 12-11-2008 10:40 AM

i have the same exact symptoms, two different dealers couldnt replicate the problem and said everything is fine =T. please let me know what happens when you take yours to the dealer!

**elwigglero** · 12-11-2008 11:40 AM

Maybe a stupid question....but are you checking to make sure the wheel isn't locked? If the wheel lock is engaged, the ignition switch will not turn.

I'm sure you've prob thought of this, but just trying to help.

**eskimopunk** · 12-11-2008 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by elwigglero

Maybe a stupid question....but are you checking to make sure the wheel isn't locked? If the wheel lock is engaged, the ignition switch will not turn.

I'm sure you've prob thought of this, but just trying to help.

x2

if its the problem just turn the wheel to the left or right (can't remember which way) when trying to start the car

**Latin Audi** · 12-11-2008 11:55 AM

^ its opposite direction from where you locked it

**eskimopunk** · 12-11-2008 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by Latin Audi

^ its opposite direction from where you locked it

oh yeh lol

i always accidentally lock it so i just twist it both ways lol

**supersuk** · 12-11-2008 01:02 PM

The wheel isn't locked at all. I never turn the wheel after I park it, just a habit of mines. When I tried to lock the wheel once, it was almost impossible to turn the ignition key. I had to turn the wheel a little then push as hard as I could to get the damn ignition to turn. Seems like a faulty ignition switch as no other car i've ever owned did this. The smoothest ignition switch was in my 2005 Volvo s40.

**1Knight** · 12-11-2008 01:57 PM

I have this problem also on my B7, I thought it was a very strange issue, but glad to know I am actually not the only one. What I often do when it happens is take the key back out and stick it in again, then it always works the second time.

**VanAudi** · 12-11-2008 10:09 PM

This is a common scenario with the AUDI....it is described in the owners manual and you just need to turn the wheel left and right while turning the key to start the car and it will turn.

**supersuk** · 12-12-2008 03:34 PM

That must be the most stupid design ever. I've never encountered this on any car i've ever had. Even a POS Kia never did this!!

**Charlescrs6** · 12-12-2008 08:29 PM

It used to do it in my car, but doesn't anymore. when i first got it, I told my friend who has an m3 about it and he said his does it too, you have to just wiggle the wheel even if it's not locked... weird.