Date: 5 Feb 2005 15:12:17 GMT From: Dave Hinz <DaveHinznospamcop.net> Subject: Re: 88 900 Turbo - key stuck in ignition
On 4 Feb 2005 22:40:15 GMT, J.S.User <Usernospamer.com> wrote: > Dave Hinz <DaveHinznospamcop.net> wrote in > news:36fs97F4vrpdsU1nospamvidual.net: > >> At some point, you need a "special tool" to remove some >> nuts in this process - if so, start with a 12mm, six point socket and >> remove the flats on 3 of those sides. > I've always thought companies that used some stupid shaped > screw, bolt, or nut fastener that requires an "available in only one > place on the planet" tool should be taken out and shot, or at least made > to spend eternity in purgatory with a philips head screwdriver and > nothing but hex bolts as far as the eye can see. No reason for it > (other than job security for the mechanics). Actually, it makes it inconvenient for someone to steal your car, in exchange for a few percent of people who ever have to deal with it. The times when it's a _gratuitous_ use of a special tool (torx with that pin in the center), yes. But this isn't one of those cases. > I have yet to find an > instance where a screw with an odd-sized torx (or robertson drive or hex > head or ...) could not really be replaced by a simple slotted or > phillips. Slotted screws are nearly impossible to use in an assembly line. Phillips screws "cam out" badly and have extremely poor torque control and repeatability. Any of the drive types with vertical sides (Robertson, Allen, Torx) don't have cam-out problems, and can work properly with an assembly-line tooling. And bits are 25 cents each... So, sorry, but there are good reasons for fasteners that are other than what your grandfather used. > I just tried the shift-and-jiggle to no avail. Normally, if you move > the shift around while you're twisting the key you can feel somehting at > least bumping up against the key cylinder. Nada. As far as the key is > concerned, there is no "off" position. That's as far as it wants to go. > So... I'll start the disassembly process tomorrow. If I get stuck, and > can't get the motherforker off then I'll buy her a hat to put over the > key. Not the worst solution. If she can lock the doors, the fact that the key is in the ignition doesn't really detract all that much, especially since (a) it's unlikely to be a high-value target, (b) most cars that are stolen have automatic transmissions, and (c) your average low-life who is stealing cars probably doesn't know about the whole "key in the floor" thing. > I'll let you folks know how I fare. If you want pics of that socket, I can take some & put 'em online. Get me before 1:PM central time and I'll do it today. Dave Hinz
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