Electrical problem

[Didier]

Problems started in the cold weather. When car is in warm garage delay is shorter. Last summer it works fine. I can not hear any clunk sound when I take key off...
I have to clean and lubricate that bolt.
Is it so that the entire locking mechanism needs to be removed???

[Jgkram]

You don't have to remove the entire steering lock mechanism only the cylinder which can be removed using the paperclip as described in several threads on the forum. I had the exact same issues as described by you and performed that "surgery" several years ago. It has just now started to act sluggish in cold weather again and takes several seconds to completely shut off. When I removed my cylinder I soaked in a mild degreaser and flushed many times with some brake cleaner. It's amazing what came out. I then soaked in a lubricant for a few hours and cleaned my keys thoroughly. It was 100% improved and has lasted for the better part of two years.

[Didier]

Originally Posted by Jgkram

You don't have to remove the entire steering lock mechanism only the cylinder which can be removed using the paperclip as described in several threads on the forum. I had the exact same issues as described by you and performed that "surgery" several years ago. It has just now started to act sluggish in cold weather again and takes several seconds to completely shut off. When I removed my cylinder I soaked in a mild degreaser and flushed many times with some brake cleaner. It's amazing what came out. I then soaked in a lubricant for a few hours and cleaned my keys thoroughly. It was 100% improved and has lasted for the better part of two years.

I tried this but no help. The key moved freely in the cylinder and the inside of the cylinder also moved easily. I cleaned it anyway and lubricate well.

[elgyqc]

Originally Posted by Didier

... Is it so that the entire locking mechanism needs to be removed???

That is the best way, but you could try drilling a hole in the plate indicated by the arrow in this picture and squirting some thin oil in.



It may be possible to get access by removing the vent to the left of the key.

[Didier]

Originally Posted by elgyqc

That is the best way, but you could try drilling a hole in the plate indicated by the arrow in this picture and squirting some thin oil in.



It may be possible to get access by removing the vent to the left of the key.

Next time when I have time have to try drill hole and lubricated that bolt or remove entrire locking mechanism.

[elav]

I know people say that it is incredibly hard to replace the entire ignition assembly, but it really isn't. There are a lot of steps and it takes some time but it is pretty straightforward. I ordered the new assembly before discovering there is a cheap fix with the Audi part and while it was expensive, it wasn't hard to change.