1996 Audi A4: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Sep 17, 2009 · Electrical · 210,000 miles · GA

I have 1996 audi a4 and experiencing the same recall problem as the federal safety agency campaign id number: 06v403000, which is not able to return the ignition key to the running position after starting the engine. This condition causing electrical accessories such as windshield wipers and headlights to become inoperative increasing the risk of a crash. I see the following recall on your website. But when I contact audi at 1‑800‑822‑2834, they says my 1996 audi a4 is not qualified for this recall. Vehicle make / model: model year(s): audi / a4 1996-1997 manufacturer: volkswagen of america, inc mfr's report date: oct 20, 2006 the federal safety agency campaign id number: 06v403000 n/a the federal safety agency action number: n/a component: electrical system:ignition:switch potential number of units affected: 28594.

Filed Mar 31, 2009 · Electrical, Lights · 130,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 audi a4. The contact heard a loud squealing noise outside the vehicle when he started the ignition. The RPM's increased and the ignition key failed to return to the engine running position. Immediately, the ignition key was turned manually to the "on" position to resume normal operation. In addition, the windshield wipers and headlights became inoperative without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection and the federal safety agency campaign id number 06v403000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) was referenced. The failures were identical, but the VIN was excluded from the recall. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000 and current mileage was 132,000.

Filed Oct 24, 2005 · Electrical · 87,000 miles · PA

I own an 1996 audi a4. Recently, my headlights and taillights have stopped functioning all together at various times. Sometimes they work fine the next minute they wouldn't. One night I almost got rear-ended by another car because my rear taillights were not illuminated. So I took the car to audi to get the problem taken care of. When I went to audi, they told me I have a bad ignition switch and said the problem would probably be taken care of with the replacement of the switch. I got the work done and then went on the internet to check any recalls from the federal safety agency. A recall #00v317000 came up and described the exact problem I had with my audi. However, when I called the dealer and audi they told me the recall did not apply to my VIN #. I found it hard to believe that this hazard was taken care of for a select number of cars but there are still cars out on the roadway that have the same exact problem. I think audi would have been much more likely to pay for the repairs if that ford f250 super duty would have placed its v-8 in my passenger's seat as it almost did. It was an awful close call for me and I am having a huge problem with audi not taking responsibility for their defects.

Filed Feb 26, 2003 · Electrical, Lights · 66,000 miles · CA

I had a problem identical to the problem described in the federal safety agency campaign id 00v317000. I had to have the ignition switch replaced and subsequently had to also replace the headlight control assembly as well.*jb audi USA said that my vehicle was not covered as part of the current campaign. However, I've seen numerous postings on the audi chat boards from people in my exact position (same problem, same year car - but audi USA says they're not covered). Seems like it's a little screwy. Please confirm reciept of this message and let me know if there are any next steps I should take. Thanks much

Filed Feb 18, 2000 · Body, Engine · MD

After starting my vehicle and attempting to turn on my headlights (incident occured approx. 8:00 pm), I noticed that my headlights, and tail lights were inoperable. I also notiiced that my climate control system, warning/indicator lights (lights during normal start-up), outside ambient temperature gauge, door locks, and my turn signals were all inoperable. I then proceeded to turn off my engine to trouble shoot the problems when I found that I was unable to turn the key in the ignition (to the off position). I verified that my automatic transmision shifter was in park "p". The engine was finally shut (1.5 hrs later) down by pulling fuel pump fuze. Dealer replaced ignition switch (# vwn 4ao 905 849 b), this corrected all problems. This problem is very simular to the 1994/1995 audi 90 recall (id #96v017000) of the ignition switch. My vehicle was manufactured in feb. 1996 which is two months following the last recalled audi 90 (mfd. Recall jan 94 to dec 95). Audi inc . Would not reimburse me for this repair. Please investigate: this part (ignition switch for the 90 and a4 appear to be the same: I verified this at one dealer) causes very similiar malfunctions in the a4 as the audi 90 had in 1994/1995 vehicles. Note: some audi a4 owners may not have reported to the federal safety agency because warranty covers part up to 50,000 miles. Please verify how many ignition switches have been replaced in the a4 via dealers. If this issue prompted a recall of the audi 90 (recall: 1996) , my vehicle and possibly others has just experienced a similiar if not worse problem (can not shut of engine, no headlight/tail lights etc. Using normal technique, engine also began to overheat). This is potentially very dangerous. I fortunately had the know how to deal with this situation safely, but all a4 owners are not technically inclined. Please contact me for more information/clarification.

Filed Oct 18, 1999 · Electrical · MD

Ignition switch did not return from starter engaged position, starter stayed engaged which lead to its failure after problem occured several times. Also, headlights, turn signals and A/C system did not work. Apparently other models of audis were subject to a safety recall for the same problem. Why not the a4? Repair cost: $800.00.