Does anyone know how to replace the ignition lock cylinder on a 1996 Cabriolet? The key is having a hard time going in and coming out and sticks a little and doesn't always pop out. It always springs back after starting so I'm pretty sure it's not the ignition switch. It feels like the tumblers are jamming. I sprayed it with WD40 and that helped a little but I'm afraid the key may either get stuck in there or I won't be able to get it in later. I tried the regular key and the unused valet key and they both have the same problem so I'm pretty sure it's not the key itself.
Bentleys manual clearly shows how to remove the lock cylinder. It looks like a bit of a pain, but do-able. What it doesn't show is the actual cylinder itself. I'd go to the dealer and make sure that you can buy a new cylinder and have it matched to your key before I got into this. Don't start this on the fly without the instructions. There is a certain spot that has to be drilled through in the steering lock housing to release the lock cylinder. Ask somebody to send you the procedure.
I did try some lithium grease spray, and it did help. My only concern is that it may not last and the key may get stuck in the ignition. Thus it may be prudent to be pro-active.
hubturn,
Thats for the advice. I was thinking of getting the Bentley manual as I have a few other minor things to fix (clean out the EGR valve). As for a matching key, Audi can't provide one at this point. I did check with the local dealer and they told me I would have to have a new key for ignition and use my old key for the doors and trunk. They wanted $260 to replace it. I found the part online for $60, thus my delima, should I do it myself as I do most minor repairs on my own or pay them the extra $200.
Posts: 1561
Joined: 8/24/2005 From: Brooklyn, NY Status: offline
just lube it a bit. should make it work better. I used DOT4 , I diped the key, and moved it in and out of the key hole. helped a lot.
I need to clean my EGR too, I used a tube, and applied direct vacuem to it, and nothing happened, engine just kept ideling. but I have no clue how to clean it at all
turn ignition to auxiliary position and where you see the red line there is a bearing that you need to press in then pull the barrel out with the key still in, easily cleaned and lubricated like this
Humm, I must be blind or just missing it. I can't find the place you pointed to with the red line so I can push the bearing. Mine has a black cover that may be covering that part up. This cover spins freely but does not unscrew or come off by pulling on it (maybe I need to pull harder, but it's hard to get a good grip on it). Behind the black cover is a metal casing that is a little flat on two sides (and it larger in diameter than the black cover).
I just can't get that black cover off. I've tried everything but I can't get a strong enough grip on it. I tried vise grips and only end up striping the black paint off the cover. I tried putting some rubber grips and the vise grips and still no luck. This cover is tapered (the wide part at the back and the small part at the front). I also tried pliers to grab the front lip and pry it out, but it doesn't come off.
I've attached two photos so you can see what I'm looking at?
Posts: 854
Joined: 3/1/2006 From: Black Mountain, NC Status: offline
you might need to get the whole thing out or remove the dash panel ...... and how bad do you rally need the ignition key .... tnstall a hidden kill switch somewhere and by pas the ignition tumbler .... like newer cars with smar keys just put a knob in there
My copy of the ignition cylinder from my Bentleys1994-1998 Audi Cabriolet does not show the same picture as Avant80@2.6 shows. His way would be easier, but having been in there replacing the ignition switch, I did not see what his picture shows on my '95 Cab. Doesn't mean his is wrong, just maybe different models for different countries - Cab was sold past '98 in the UK, I believe. Here's a start. Take the plastic covers off that surround the steering column. Remove the two screws holding in the instrument cluster. Gently pull the instrument cluster out and look in at the switch and lock cylinder so you can get a feel for this job.
Guys. I wanted to thank you for all the great advice. After I sprayed it with the lithium grease, everything was back to normal, except that once in a while, I had to push on the ignition to get it to pop out and shut off the accesories.
This worked well until yesterday, when my sister in law drove the car home and came in and told me that none of the electrical stuff was working (no turn signals, no lights etc..) and that she couldn't get the key out at all. So I went to see what was going on. Again I had a hard time but did manage to get the key out. Then I tried starting the car and it did, and I was shocked when the key did not spring back one position and the starter was still engaged (it sounded horrible), and then she mentioned that it did sound pretty bad on the way home (she drove 5 miles with the starter engaged!!!!). Luckly it was still working.
So I called my local dealer and they said there was no recall for my car, so I called Audi of America Customer Service and they looked into it and told me that the recall service had already been performed 11 years ago and that they would not recall the part a second time, thus I would have to pay for the full repair. I pleaded with them, as this was a know issue 11 years ago, but they would have nothing to do with it. I would have to pay to have it repaired.
While I know the car is 11 years old, I would have hoped to have a little more support on a known problem and maybe have been offered something, but they stood their ground firmly and refused, and refused and refused.
So, I'll me taking the car to my usual service garage that services my BMW and Acura also (with reasonable service charges), and never go back to Audi again. That's to bad as I like some of their cars.
I just wanted to post this so others know what to expect. I saw another similar post with similar results (except that poor guy did fry his started and also had to pay for a new starter, I guess I was lucky).
Posts: 854
Joined: 3/1/2006 From: Black Mountain, NC Status: offline
where you take your car for service is up to you and as far as the recall stuff goes 11 years is a long time adn things do break .... if the fixed it 11 years ago then if you fix it now you'll be set fo another 11 years
Printable Version
How to replace Ignition Lock Cylinder on 1996 Cabriolet - 
