Help! Cannot get steering wheel and ignition unlocked.

[scottyvee]

I went to start my allroad the other evening and when I went to turn the key I moved the steering wheel a bit and it locked. The key would not turn as well. I jiggled the wheel and still, the key could not turn. I've tried the valet key along with the fob key. I've seen where C6 A6s have an issue of locked up steering wheels and VAGCOM was used to unlock the mechanism. Does anyone know of this method works on C5s? My research has not turned up much at all on C5s sharing my problem. My Key fob has a new battery and does lock and unlock the car.

[chris86vw]

C5s don't have electronic ignition switches like C6s so there is no way to communicate/unlock it via VCDS. Even the immo is passive (and has nothing to do with the steering lock) and the battery in the remote has nothing to do with starting the car only locking/unlocking the doors.

Your issue is purely mechanical. If it is an automatic make sure that its fully in park that shouldn't lock the wheel but it could be binding something up.

Other than that just turning the wheel even at the point it seems like it won't go further and turning the key at the same time there isn't much else to do unless the switch/lock is actually broken then you'd need to take it apart.

[scottyvee]

C5s don't have electronic ignition switches like C6s so there is no way to communicate/unlock it via VCDS. Even the immo is passive (and has nothing to do with the steering lock) and the battery in the remote has nothing to do with starting the car only locking/unlocking the doors.

Your issue is purely mechanical. If it is an automatic make sure that its fully in park that shouldn't lock the wheel but it could be binding something up.

Other than that just turning the wheel even at the point it seems like it won't go further and turning the key at the same time there isn't much else to do unless the switch/lock is actually broken then you'd need to take it apart.

My allroad is a manual. The key is actually now turning in the mechanism but not unlocking the wheel. Looks like I need to replace the switch/lock. Thanks for your help.


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[chris86vw]

My allroad is a manual. The key is actually now turning in the mechanism but not unlocking the wheel. Looks like I need to replace the switch/lock. Thanks for your help.

Turning all the way to allow it to start? then yeah somethings bound up in lock unfortunately pull the trim off and see if you can free it before buying anything.

[scottyvee]

Turning all the way to allow it to start? then yeah somethings bound up in lock unfortunately pull the trim off and see if you can free it before buying anything.

The key’s spinning feels like the tumbler mechanism is rotating in the switch/lock. The dash electronics never light up and I’m still unable to start the car.


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[chris86vw]

The key’s spinning feels like the tumbler mechanism is rotating in the switch/lock. The dash electronics never light up and I’m still unable to start the car.

Weird the electronic/ignition switch is not the same mechanism as the steering lock, as in the lock is not electronically released. But if the lock cylinder has physically broken it would not turn the electronic switch and also not release the steering lock.

I know exactly where I have a spare one sitting but it is at my shop and I won't be there for a few days so I can't inspect it further to offer additional guidance on what to look at.