A6 Can't remove the key

NH_USA · #1 01-03-2006, 04:47 PM

HELP!!!

1996 A6 - I can't remove the key from the ignition switch. Auto trans in park. Tried moving the steering wheel up and down - in and out, but I still can't remove the key. Wiggled everything I could but it is still stuck. It turns to shut off the engine, restart the car etc and other stuff but just won't come out of the switch. The steering wheel isn't locked and the gear shifter can be moved from park so it is probably in the linkage someplace. Maybe something broken in the switch? Any suggestions?

I pulled part of the dash off and saw the lock mechanism but can't see how the auto trans is connected to the lockout or if it is. How do I get the switch mechanism out? Is there a simple adjustment? I have the Audi 200 book and it looks somewhat the same but can't tell for sure. I am willing to disable the sterring wheel and trans lock to make it work - just need to be able to remove the key so the neighbors don't use my Audi to go to the store or rub a bank.

NH_USA · #2 01-10-2006, 04:21 PM

Hey guys! How about some help!

I'm now convinced that the problem is in the cable between the shifter and key assembly.

How do I get to the stupid thing?I think I have to remove or disassemble the console.
I can find a flap on either side of the console that covers a nut but can't find any other attachments. I don't want to just pull without knowing. How do I get the console out or apart?

misko · #3 01-11-2006, 01:08 PM

without looing at your car the first thing that comes to mind is the
park switch. I have seen this problem before, the car is not think the trans is in park and will not let you remove the key. can the key be turned all the way back?

NH_USA · #4 01-11-2006, 01:47 PM

I agree that the car dosen't think it is in park. The key seems to go all the way to the position where it should be able to be removed. The transmission is not locked in park and the steering wheel is not locked. I can easily turn the key to on and start the car - and shut it off again - over and over without a problem. I got the idea that there is a mechanical cable between the shifter and key set but it could be an electric solenoid. I just don't know and need someone to give me some guidance. I certainly don't want to visit a sealership or mechanic if it is a simple adjustment.

misko · #5 01-12-2006, 12:36 PM

NH_USA · #6 01-12-2006, 04:46 PM

Misco -- Thanks for all the time you spent researching the stuck key.....

Unfortunately I do not have a triptronic transmission with the little silver button. My A6 is a 96 and triptronic was not yet out. It does have a lockup mode but I think that has to do with the torque convertor not the shifter. The posts gave me some ideas to look at before I start tyaking things apart. I have already driven the car since the key got stuck so shifting didn't help but the reverse lockout button might be stuck. After that I will try a slightly bigger hammer tap the top of the shifter, wiggle it somemore and cry. This action will be followed by and even bigger hammer and some swearing. By the way -never use the big hammer on and Audi - save that for your favorite Audi mechanic.........

SilverSeven · #7 01-12-2006, 06:24 PM

Well..... At least you won't lose the key, right?

You said that the lock cylinder goes back into the position that you should be able to remove the key, by that I can only assume that you mean the OFF position and not the ACC position or the slight in between that some cars have. That indicates to me that the park signal switch is not the culprit since those usually prevent the key from being rotated all the way to off (although I have no experience with the A6 so it might not work quite the same way).

Does the key wiggle at all but just own't come out, or is it seized and won't move at all even slighty up an down? My advice would be to try and find out how the cylinder itself comes out as you may have some small debris blocking one or more of the pins.

NH_USA · #8 01-14-2006, 03:01 PM

The hammer worked !

Actually the problem was quite simple. The lockout knob - you need to push the shifter down to move from drive to reverse and park - was stuck in the down position. I pulled it up and the key came out. I was able to repeat the problem a few times so I know what that it was the trouble. I will try a bit of WD-40 to stop the sticking. I can now stop my neighbor from using the car to get groceries and the bank thing.....

MISCO Thanks your info got me going in the correct direction....


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