1998 Audi A4 Electrical system Problems

“The problem: ignition switch return spring there is a problem with my ignition switch. After staring the engine, the return spring does not fully return the key to the run position, causing a malfunction of the headlights and climate control. I have found a recall notice (NHTSA campaign id no. 97v115000) describing this exact problem for Audi A4 vehicles which affects vehicles manufactured between 10/1995 and 8/1997 (my vehicle was built within this time period, on aug 13th, 1997). …”

“Ignition switch fails to return to run from start after starting car. If the the key is not returned from start manually, the accessories (I.e windows, lights, radio, fan, etc) will not run and the starter will contiue to run potentiating the failure of that part. Recall notice #00v31700 covers model year 1997 for cars manufactured through 8/97. My car was manufactured 8/97 but is model year 1998. Audi used the model year limitation to deny repairng the faulty part and should include all cars manufactured within the time frame.”

“On a 1998 A4 quattro Audi, it is the 2nd time that the headlights switch fails, the first time was 6 months ago and have to replace the entire steering wheel column switch package. This is the second time, and this time I was on a highway around 11:00 pm with no headlights at all, in this car if the headlights don't work, also the fog lights don't work too, so suddenly you end at the middle of the night on a highway with no lights at all. This definitely is a high risk situation because you can not drive with out headlights it is like blind driving. …”

“Upon starting vehicle the ignition gets stuck in the crank position. Whenever this happens windshield wipers stop working. Vehicle had not been repaired because the vehicle was not on recall 00v317000.”

“The contact stated the vehicle failed to start when the key was turned in the ignition. The contact further stated the failure caused the starter to short out and burn up. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, who replaced the starter and the ignition switch. There was a NHTSA recall, # 06v403000, regarding the ignition switch. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.”