My new car.... Golf gti 16v oak green... but couple of issues

[Skiing]

Hi all,

I have upgraded and sold my 8v and bought a fantastic valver with a 9a bottom end so it goes...black leather interior, VAG big bumpers etc..  however it has a couple of niggles I need to sort -

1. although the heater matrix has been done by VAG am still getting cold air - I assume the bypass valves are jammed - will giving them a tap potentially free them or will I need to order new ones / replace with copper pipe?

2. The other issue is electrical - I think the ignitiion switch is faulty as despite new clocks and bulbs, the clocks lights wont work (the heater panel and electric window switches are backlit) and at one point the headlights and fogs wouldnt work and I had only sidelights  - I have a new switch - is it easy to change or a nightmare? (NB earths have been done). 

3. The MFA also over reads for both oil and exterior temperature and the MPG reading is blank as well..

3. Finally the petrol flap has the little pointy thing and the cap has no lock, do I assume the car has central locking (although it's not working)...

Will get some pics of the car up soon - looks fantastic.

[VeeDubGTI16v]

1. tapping them sometimes freess them, but dont expect it to stay this way! the best solution is to use the mk3 matrix and lose the bypass valves, or fit a new valve but dont replace with copper pipes. (unless your a cowboy who works at kwik fit)

2. dunno

3. how do you know the oil temp is overreading? exterior temp is gonna be inaccurate anyway and dunno about the mpg, probably a vacuum pipe has fallen off or split

4. to know for sure open the tailgate and under the ns light there will be a central locking pump if you have it

[Conker]

Regards no.2....

If the ignition switch is faulty, wouldn't you have lots of other issues e.g. it won't start?? This might seem stupid, but have you checked EVERY fuse, as the MK2 has some fuses controlling things you wouldn't expect as well as what they are actually supposed to control.

And yes, changing the ignition switch is fiddley. You can't get to the locking screw as it faces towards the pedals, so you either have to bend a screwdriver round to fit, take the steering collar thingy off (if you've got a later model) or take the steering column out. I did the later, which is easy except for getting the column back in the universal joint again.

Have a search for more info.

[Skiing]

Thanks Conker - with the ignition switch, have checked most of the fuses today (discounting things tha are working) but will check again - so far been ok with starting but a couple of times it would not do anything - just flash lights and sort click - it's not the starter as its new and normally if fires up instantly. Also at one point the headlights and fogs wouldnt work at all - just side lights but now they are fine - will check fuses and earths again and will prob take it to an auto electrician.