

| Subject: | 94EV Westy nearly stolen. Ignition lock broken |
| From: | Martin Jagersand |
| Date: | Sat, 14 Feb 2004 19:35:45 -0700 |
Uninvited guests came to my driveway last night and tried to make it off with my '94 EV Westy. (82 Westy was left untouched). Thankfully they didn't succeed and damage seems to be limited to the steering/ignition lock. They tried to turn the ignition lock with a screwdriver, but apparently failed. Then tried to pry around the cylinder and cylinder cap, but largely failed also. The cylinder is now a bit looser, and the key slot somehat damaged, but I can still insert the key and turn it through all (off - on - crank) positions. Only problem is that it won't crank. All other states function fine (ie radio goes on when key is inserted, fan etc when turned to on, then all accessories go off when in crank position. Just that the starter won't turn) Question 1: Is it wise to try to unscrew the switch part from the back of the lock and turn it manually to see if it will now crank? (I was thinking maybe it isn't turning quite far enough now after the lock cylinder was twisted.) Q2: How do I get the lock cylinder out? I put in the key and tried to turn and wiggle it out, but no luck. Is there a retaining pin somewhere? Have to drill a hole just like in the vanagon? Q3: The prospective thief managed to disable/break the steering lock. Now the steering wheel turns freely independent of key position. Strangely there is no sign of damage to the steering column or anywhere other than the lock cylinder. How could this happen? Will the steering lock break before the steering wheel if someone uses great force? Any insights would be appreciated. We just started a long weekend here and the local dealer had nothing better to suggest than to wait undil mid next week then have it towed there... Thanks, Martin Jagersand
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