[RHille]

Since purchase over six years ago, my '94 Tiptronic Cab has had an intermittent issue (~10% incidence) of the ignition key chime remaining on when key is removed (and drivers door opened). When this happens, the steering wheel does not lock and the dash light next to the "P" trany position indicator remains on. Turning/jiggling the key a few times just about always solved the issue. Having some time this winter, decided to repair this annoyance which collective internet wisdom seemed to indicate was the main ignition switch not making good "off location" contact. Just finished installing new switch.......problem remains, perhaps is even worse.



In reviewing wiring diagrams, I can't decipher the electrical logic that confirms that the key has been removed and then actuates steering wheel lock and deactivates chime and "P" light. Can someone out there explain what's supposed to happen here? What is likely cause of this problem...key tumbler switch (clean or replace?)...alarm system (BTW, the previous owner installed an aftermarket keyless entry system that works well but could be issue??)....a problem relay.....drivers door switch (have cleaned...seems OK)...something else?



Any help/advice would be much appreciated to better inderstand the operation of this sub-system and of couse to eventually get it working correctly. Thanks.

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[tamathumper]

Just for clarification, did you not replace the tumbler mechanism when you installed the new ignition switch?

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[RHille]

No...did not replace tumbler/front key mechanism.....only the rear mounted switch. Am wondering if the perhaps the prawn that engages the switch is slighly bent and not returning the switch to a fully "off" position. Could this be the issue? Thanks for prompt reply...this thing really has me doing some head scratching.

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[flash]

i'm betting it's in the shifter. there is a sensor there that tells the car when it's where (like park).



try wiggling the shifter

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[RHille]

Flash....Sorry, but you would have lost your bet. I just double/triple checked the shifter position (wiggled several times to the extent possible).....no affect. As I commented originally, my dash "P" light is on, indicating that the system is aware that trany is indeed in Park.



But, in checking your much appreciated suggestion, saw some other interesting things going on. When I move key from off to ACC and back off, the "P" light goes on and off...everytime, flawlessly. When I move two positions to "Run" (not start) and back, EVERY light and chime goes on, then when back to off, the "P" light REMAINS ON....then if key is pulled, most times the "P" light goes off (and steering wheel locks), but sometimes it remains on and steering lock does not engage.....the problem that got me started into this mess.



In looking at the entry point for the key, there appears to be two spring loaded metal sleeves that the key pushes through to get to the tumbler. I'm guessing that when the key is inserted, it makes electrical contact between these two sleeves, telling "something" that the key is inserted. When key is removed, the sleeves SHOULD no longer contact one another, thus telling that same "something" that the key is out....but if the sleeves occassionally short (dirty, bent, worn, etc.) even if key removed, the "something" thinks key is still there, therefore continuing the chime alarm and not locking the steering wheel. Does this make any sense? Again, I'm having a hard time decoding the wiring diagram. Maybe I just need some contact cleaner and/or some very light emery cloth treatment....hopefully not a new tumbler/switch assembly....looks like a real PITB to change out....the ignition switch was bad enough.



Thanks again for any advise as the what's going on here.

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[RHille]

Some new information on my chime/no steering wheel lock issue: If I remove key VERY slowly, the problem occurs; removing key very rapidly cures issue (i. e. chime and "P" light go off and steering wheel locks as it should). When issue occurs with key removed, a re-insertion of key only 1/8" or so, then removal, cures the issue. I therefore conclude that there is some type of contact switch just short of the tumbler that is intermittent. I just tried a compressed air blast as well as some contact cleaner....does not seem to fix problem. Any thoughts short of removing the entire locking mechanism and replacing the tumbler switch?

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[tamathumper]

If fiddling with the key in that location causes and/or fixes the problem, and you're doing absolutely nothing else, then that's where the problem is. I doubt the <acronym title='previous owner'>PO</acronym> who installed the keyless entry system did any wiring up there on the steering column, as those sorts of things generally mess with the wiring under the dash. Owning as many old Porsches and Farmall tractors as I have, I wouldn't bet on it, though.

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