[SilverStream]

Now I've owned 02 GLX V6 for six months. Most of the time, I enjoy fun driving. But there's one annoying and recurring problem... This started to happened within a month of ownership

Problem: The key can only turn radio, but not the engine. It simply gets stuck there and won't budge.
When: This happens if I don't move back and forth a couple of times to align wheels straight when I park. Also happens when the key is removed and, say, I hit the steering wheel accidently and it moves slightly. Then, if I try to turn the key, it won't.
How often: 7 out 10 times if I'm not super-careful. None if I park like a someone who tries to perfect parking.
Troubles: Late to work (several times), late to social occasions (2), cancelled dental appointment (1), etc.
How do I solve: I simply attempt to turn the key until it really turns. Takes anytime between 10 and 30 minutes. When I turns, it turns with no reason.
Who Am I?: I'm no "engine-lock"er. Throughout my life of driving (except this one), I've only locked engine only a couple of times (only when I forget and leave wheels turned to an extreme.
Questions: 1. Anybody has this kind of problem?
2. Any preventive measure that I can do?
3. Could my dealer service fix this?
TIA

 

[amgvw]

Re: Engine Locking!! (SilverStream)

sounds like the steering wheel is locked not the engine.
turn the wheel back and forth to release the key.
might not be it, but it's worth a try.

 

[SilverStream]

Re: Engine Locking!! (amgvw)

quote:[HR][/HR]sounds like the steering wheel is locked not the engine.
turn the wheel back and forth to release the key.
might not be it, but it's worth a try.[HR][/HR]​

If you meant steering wheel, I tried to turn it clockwise and counterclockwise... many times without success. I don't know how to move steering wheel "back and forth."
If you meant the wheels that are in contact with ground, I tried to kick/push tires again without success.

 

[Tox]

Re: Engine Locking!! (SilverStream)

It's not normal, and you shouldn't have to live with it. (10-30 minutes!

) Sounds like you'd better get it to the dealer while you can still start it. On the plus side, it shouldn't be too hard to reproduce the problem for them. Then you get to watch the service manager work on getting the key to turn for 10-30 minutes...
I'd bet you'll be getting some new steering column parts, or maybe the whole thing. Good luck with it.

 

[DCdave]

Re: Engine Locking!! (Tox)

You may need a replacement lock cylinder for your steering wheel column. Hopefully, and most likely, VW allows its dealers to match up cylinders with the already present lock set so the outside door and trunk locks don't also have to be replaced.
If you're up to it, try to see if you can also get an additional switchblade key for your car. My thinking is this. You've been putting above-normal pressure (torque) on the switchblade for an extended period of time. The problem with the lock cylinder has thus shortened the life of your switchblade key, increasing the chance of it prematurely falling apart (literally). (Normally the switchblade keys cost $150+ at the dealership, unless you go through eBay.)

 

[sameero]

Re: Engine Locking!! (DCdave)

YOu know if you need to have a second attempt at cranking the engine you have to turn the key all the way to lock postion first (anti clockwise all they way) and then turn it clockwise again.