Hi guys. This is my first post on this website so hello to everyone in the community. Ok now for the business at hand: my 1997 A6 2.8 quattro sedan. The other day after getting out of class I came back to my car, got in, and started it up. I then noticed that my headlights, heater, windshield wipers, as well as a multitude of lights on my car's dash were not functioning. I at first thought that it could be some fuses going out or something, but here comes the weird part: when I turn the key to the position just before engaging the starter (the position where all of the electronics turn on and what not) that all of the before-mentioned problems did not exist. However, as soon as I engaged the starter and turned on the engine, all of the symptoms returned.

I am hoping someone here will have had a similar experience so that I can get some guidance on what the problem actually is, and if it is easily repaired. I am currently a broke college student and I'm trying to find the lowest-cost method in fixing my pearl white baby! I called the local dealer and they said something about a "relay" possibly being the problem, but at $96/hr + parts and labor, I'd rather walk in there with a grasp on what is actually wrong.

Hopefully someone can lend a hand here, and although I'm no grease monkey, I still have a decent working knowledge of autos. Please someone with some experience in this field let me know what I can do!

PS - the car has ~195k miles on it...figured that would be relevant info.

 

It sounds like you need to replace the ignition switch. There's at least a DIY write-up onthis A6 forum, and on AudiWorld.
The switch itself is like $ 8-10 but the job can be cumbersome as the switch is in a bad spot (you'll need small hands and a hell of a patience dose).
Welcome to the forum.