it is hard to turn as well, any ideas?

 

From what I have read, it is a pretty common problem with the ignition switch going bad. Do some searches and you will probably come up with a fix.

 

time for new switch mines been replaced atleast once and was acting up last time i drove her

 

Agreed.

 

I had the same issue. First a sticky key, then an occasional message that the key was still in the ignition when I had already removed it. I was told to replace the faulty ignition switch as this behavior was a signal that it was soon to completely fail. About $200 for the part, I think about 1.5 hrs labor charges.

 

Suncoast has the Audi part for around $20

 

NAPA has the part for $9.17. I did this on my car last week. Takes about 1-1.5 hours, depending on how well you work inverted with a clutch pedal in your ear. There is a DIY with photos on renntech.

Jon

 

Part is 4A0-905-849-B-M5352

It's a VW/Audi part. It is a pain in the ***, simply because you have to access it from behind the dash.

Remove the A/C duct directly below the steering column.

Remove the plug from the end of the switch unit.

With a stubby jeweler's screwdriver, loosen the two screws. Mine had red loctite on them, and were a ***** to get loose, since it was nearly impossible to get my arms up in there in the first place.

The switch then pops right off - then reverse the process. While lying on your back over the door sill with your head and arms wedged under the dash.

 

buy extra...b/c they will f..up again later down the road...I know

http://industryfigure.com/berkeley/P...tionswitch.htm
(it said boxster but should be the same for 996)

 

It is a bit easier if you remove the a/c vent on the left side of the dash. To do this, first remove the headlight switch by pulling it toward you, and pressing up with a thin screwdriver underneath the part that pulls out to release the spring clip. This reveals a hole on the right where there is a torx screw that needs a long bit to reach. You could also use an allen key if your torx isn't long enough. Then remove the two torx screws on the side of the dash that are revealed when the door opens. Gently wiggle out the left side of the dash that contains the a/c vent. Finally, remove the phillips head screw that hold in the air duct (you can now see it through the hole) and pull down the up-part of the a/c duct to remove it. You can now reach through the hole to get to the screws that remove the ignition switch. I could only get the top one this way, and I still had to go below to get the other one. But that made for not too much time doing the work from below.

Here's a link to the DIY:
http://www.renntech.org/forums/index...with-pictures/

Jon

 

I love this forum, Thank you for the help!

 

Very helpful post and links, and it definately saved me some $$. I would also suggest a good flashlight (one that is small and has a clip so you can get light wher you need it, hands free) I also had difficulties getting the air duct reinstalled, and found myself questioning whether or not I really needed it. but attaching the clutch side first (as suggested) made it easier and I finally got it back on. (great advice!) Also, I noticed that the clutch-side duct that I was trying to reconnect to had dropped slightly during removal. After I pushed upward on it, to give the connection more clearence, it went right on.