So I have been posting my major electrical problems for a couple of weeks. Finally I had time to pull the ignition switch, which I suspected to be the problem. Here is what I found...

Tell me if this makes you as angry as it did me...

Audi recalled this switch for this exact problem on the 1996 and 1997 A4 but have yet to start the needed process for 1998. This could be a major problem for many... not to mention a major pain!!!

I called Audi tonight and told them what I found. They are going to "look into it" and call me back tomorrow. They advised to do nothing with the car until they call me, for whatever that's worth.

I wanted to share this with all of you in case you have the same problem (which is sudden loss of headlights, horn, turn signals, a/c blower).

First I noticed the brittle wire coming out of the female connector which plugs into the ignition switch. I know others have found this same problem when fixing their ignition switches.

Second I noticed the one area on the actual ignition switch (male connector end) which had a blackened terminal and some melted plastic with white ash all around it.

Last, looking inside the female connector I saw the pool of melted plastic which formed after the mating female terminal became so hot it melted and settled. The female end was simply hanging because there was no housing left to hold it in place.

Hopefully these pictures post well, since I have never posted pics before.

Feel free to vent if this has happened to you... and if it hasn't yet... BEWARE!!!

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[IMG]local://upfiles/2946/2E7DAE2C373448E786AAA8ACD211A92B.jpg[/IMG]

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thanks for the update,i hope it is not from an aftermarket add-on like alarm or amp.also check wire for wires tapped into it or rubbed off insulation so it doesn't happen again.

 

is this on late model a4s, do 2001 have the same ignition?

 

That looks pretty dangerous.

 

Good thought... but I HAVE ADDED NOTHING TO THE CAR. This is factory stock...

The car only has 72K miles on it!!!

So far the rest of the wiring looks ok.

 

When you buy the replacement ignition switch online it does list the same ignition switch for 1997-2001. I'm not sure when Audi issued a significant design change.

I should have posted the specks of my car... sorry.

1998 A4 2.8L Non-quattro
Sports package.
No aftermarket modifications.

 

i shake my fist at them for you.

 

umm i wonder if i should check mine

 

Not sure how to check it... you can do like I did and wait for the car to have a melt down...

On second thought, find a way to check it!

 

Pretty common.
In fact people come on the forum almost everyday with this problem. It is a poor design on the ignition switch. Partially because the switch functions once failure occurs. Many ignition switches shut off when failed, Audi locks in the on position.

Check it is easy, pull your instrument cluster find the white cylinder behind the key hole. Really, it would be beneficial to look at it and check it for cracking that is the first sign of failure... burn up is the last sign. Cheap part too, 30 bucks at the dealer.