924Board.org

[Rasta Monsta]

Dagnabbit, I was greeted by a dead battery today in Shaggy (Optima 800 - grr!). Jumped the car, and when I got to the gym, I noticed the radio stayed on when I pulled the key. The mechanism that kills the accessories wasn't working.

I blasted it with WD40, no love. I wondered if it were related to the steering lock, and went out to set the lock, hoping that doing so would shake loose the accessory switch, and the lock doesn't work either.

I remember looking at this mechanism last summer. . .it seems too beefy to break, so I am leaning toward it being stuck, and perhaps needing more lube/time to free up (the car is hardly being driven).

Agree? Or are they prone to breakage?

TIA


rasta
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Toofah King Bad

• WeiBe (1987 924S 2.5t) - 931 S3

[ideola]

Try PB Blaster.

Sounds like a broken switch, though, not necessarily the steering lock...
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erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

[steeny]

I had this problem. changes the switch and it made no difference.

Dont have the car anymore, so not sure what the best fix is. I assumed that there was a broken spring within the tumbler, but i never pulled it apart
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1978 924 N/A
she's gone.....

[Smoothie]

Luckily, I have my old cylinder in my hand as we speak ...
When you insert the key, the forward part of the tumbler moves forward - this is what switches the accessory function of the switch on, and disables the steering lock. [Actually, key insertion + a turn is required to unlock the steering (otherwise any 924 key or key blank would unlock the steering..).] When you remove the key, you should feel/hear the cylinder click back to its' rearward position. It's a spring-loaded mechanism.
I'd be willing to guess that your lock cylinder(tumbler) is remaining stuck in the forward position when you remove the key. Try inserting-removing the key in your other car, and listen/feel for the click as you remove it...
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"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."


'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

[ideola]

That being the case, it's probably all gummed up. Removing and flushing with PB Blaster, followed by a good lubrication should help. Hopefully the spring isn't shot...
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erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

[Smoothie]

Be careful what you use, and that it's not something that might eat/melt/deform the plastic switch parts.
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"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."


'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

[Rasta Monsta]

And now. . .The Rest of the Story.

So, this problem had continued off and on for a while (obviously, looking at the date on the above post). I stopped by an Audi/Porsche garage near me with the lock assembly in hand, and the owner told me he could replace the switch, but I would have two keys. This set off little anal retentive alarms. I did not want two keys.

I did more calling around, and finally found a locksmith a mile or so away who gave me some interesting information. One, it sounded to him like I needed a new ignition lock. Two, he had the part on the shelf. Three, the mechanic was wrong, the ignition lock could be rekeyed!

Took it over to him this morning, and two hours and $80 later, the switch/lock/steering lock work perfectly. When you pull the key, the steering lock engages with a satisfying THUNK! FIXED! YAY! NO MORE DEAD BATTERY!

Ahh, the simple pleasures. Now, where is that damn UPS guy with my control pressure regulator?!?!




P.S. Dog in Plaid was correct!
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Toofah King Bad

• WeiBe (1987 924S 2.5t) - 931 S3