A few questions about my audi

[surferbill]

Hey all I'm new to the forums and a somewhat new audi owner!

A few months ago I bought a 97 a6 with 110,000 miles. Its been a great car except for a few problems. First I think the ignition switch needs to be replaced. I have to turn the key back slightly when I first start the car or a lot of things dont work (climate control, headlights, wipers, etc.) but it does fine after turning the key back a bit. I've just lived with this for the past few months but would like to get it fixed at some point, any idea on how much it might cost?

Secondly theres a very annoying noise that occurs when I turn. Its a loud creaking noise, it kinda sounds like an old boat on rough waters and when I turn very sharp at a low speed it makes a loud clunk noise. I've determined that its coming from the drivers side of the car but thats about it. A friend said it might be a ball joint? I'm not very knowledgable on mechanics so im no really sure. If anyone could advise me on what this might be and how much it would cost to fix that would be great.


Thanks in advance!

[NH_USA]

yep -- I think you have an ignition switch problem.

The noise could be a CV joint. A bad one usually makes a clicking sound when turning. A grinding noise could be a wheel bearing or as simple as the wheel rubbing the inner pannel.

If it is a CV joint - the best thing to do is get a rebuilt axel and change the inner and outer joint at the same time.

[PMURTEIRA]

Hi
I had the same problem with the ignition switch, of my Audi, and I replaced the switch. In Portugal (Europe) the switch costed around 30 euros.
It's not complicated to change. the cluster (tachometer) has to come out and the acess to the switch is relatively simple. then you have 2 little screws painted red that hold the electrical switch in the metal part. If you have an ingenious friend, you both can do it easily. Please take all the details of your car when buyng the switch, there are several models.
Yours
Paulo