Date:         Sat, 14 Feb 2004 19:35:45 -0700
Reply-To:     Martin Jagersand <jag@CS.UALBERTA.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Martin Jagersand <jag@CS.UALBERTA.CA>
Subject:      94EV Westy nearly stolen. Ignition lock broken

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