It's a '93 Audi 90S, and I've been driven it with this minor problem since I bought it. When I start the car, "I" have to turn the keyleft a littleso the starter stops working!Is there a spring that returns the key? Is itthe ignition coil?

 

Its definatly not the ignition coil. That provides spark to the spark plugs. Unless the ignition switch has changed much since recenetly the spring is internal to the electrical portion of the ignition switch. So you have to do at least part of the switch. It may not even be a serperate part. You may have to get the whole thing on that particular vehicle.

 

your ignition barral is worn out. this is whereyour keyfits im.it can be dismanteled but only for the brave or fool hardy as you ar tampering with the steering lock controls injoy thatat 70. you could buy a second hand barral and key .

 

i am having this same problem....do i need to replace something on the back end of the barrel or do i need to replace the front end...which i assume will involve removal of the steering wheel and a whole bunch of fun stuff....which i am far from qualified to do...right now i have the underside of the dash taken out and taking a look from that angle....oh yeah its a 1995 90 automatic...non quattro......thanks for the help in advance...

 

Hope they are the same. My '95 Cab has a electrical component in the switch that contains the return spring mechanism. About $45, and not too hard to replace. Fits into the back of the barrel and is locked with twoallen wrench set screws. Solved my key return problem.

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appreciate that.......ill give it a shot...

 

The procedure says to remove the instrument panel to access the switch. I tried to get at it from below but you can't get to the two set screws. Removing the instrument cluster is easy. Remove the shroud from around the steering wheel and that exposes the screws holding in the instrument panel. Gently work the instrument panel out. Bentleys says remove the steering wheel, but I didn't find that to be necessary. Good luck.

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not sure about the 90 but my a4 had a recall where a spring would fail in the ignition switch and not let the key to go back

 

thanks for the continuing help...and as far as that recall goes...my car did have the same one...i bought it used and i looked into that and there were no open campaigns...so it was done at some point...however, if the fix didnt work im doubting audi will redo the procedure.
also a side question...when i take the key out sometimes the electric system fails to turn off...radio etc...wondering if you had the same problem there where youd have to stick it in and pull it out a few times for things to get the shut down cue...and if so did replacing that part solve that as well...or are we looking at a tumbler issue here on top of things?

 

Lets look at this logically. This is not a "smart key" with digital chips and whatnot encoded into it. It is just a key. The key mechanically interfaces with the locking cylinder and the shifter to allow you to engage the ignition switch. The only real connection between the key mechanism and the switch is a small rectangular projection that fits into the switch and turns when the car is in park and the correct key is turned.If you are having an electrical problem, it is all in the switch.Sure, the lock cylinder could need graphite, or be worn, but I doubt it. There are too many people with the same or similar problem that have corrected it with a new ignition switch. Now get busy and change that switch and tell us how it went.