Mk3 ignition/starting problems

[bristolmilo]

Hi, i very much hope someone can help with this issue, that i'm having with my 1996 8v golf gti. I've had a scan around the forum and can't seem to find anyone with a similar fault, well same symptoms anyway.

So basically i turn the key in the ignition and the dash lights up and everything works. I turn to the start position and nothing, no turning over, clicking or anything like that, just nothing. This has been intermittent for a few months now and like most i've just rode my luck with it. Now though its getting more regular and even not starting all together, so ive had to bump start.

Everything runs fine when its started and a friend lent me the use of some sort of push button starter that i can connect straight to the starter motor (starts fine every time). This is not ideal though as you can imagine.

So its not a starter motor problem. The fact its so intermittent suggests its not a relay. Which just leaves an ignition barrel problem or some wiring problem?? I'm totally guessing here.

I've seen that you can buy the ignition barrel on ebay for about £12, but reading other posts of people who've changed it, their symptoms where slightly different. Mine suggest an electrical issue, so should i look to change connections first?

Any help would be much appreciated
Cheers

[hobbiniho]

the ignition barrel is just a mechanical lock that turns a small tab which tuns a switch these switches are a known problem for going faulty, they are cheap but replacing them is quite a time consuming job s the screw which holds the switch in place cannot be accessed until either the barrel/switch holder is pulled off the colum or the colum is
 removed

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?3445064

[sharki786]

the ignition barrel is just a mechanical lock that turns a small tab which tuns a switch these switches are a known problem for going faulty, they are cheap but replacing them is quite a time consuming job s the screw which holds the switch in place cannot be accessed until either the barrel/switch holder is pulled off the colum or the colum is
 removed

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?3445064

+1 get a new ignition switch. Im having simular problems but my starter can run very slow or normal speed and sometimes theres nothing there aoo all these starting probs that i have been having could be the ignition switch which i have paid for 1 from ebay which is genuine and i hope its the right one.

[boneybradley]

I would say switch, go genuine or a decent brand as they are not a job to do twice (just to save £5-10 etc). My febi are £25 posted

(b.t.w there's only 1 option for switches so sharki you should be all-right)

[bristolmilo]

Thanks for all the replies. I've been out looking at it this afternoon and took the plug off the back of the ignition barrel again. Soon as i plugged it back on and turned the key it started again.
Im gonna heed your advice and replace the switch.
Thanks for the link to the guide to do this.
I'll let you know how i get on................or what the scrap value currently is for a gti 8v 

[sharki786]

I would say switch, go genuine or a decent brand as they are not a job to do twice (just to save £5-10 etc). My febi are £25 posted

(b.t.w there's only 1 option for switches so sharki you should be all-right)

cheers bb.

[sharki786]

Thanks for all the replies. I've been out looking at it this afternoon and took the plug off the back of the ignition barrel again. Soon as i plugged it back on and turned the key it started again.
Im gonna heed your advice and replace the switch.
Thanks for the link to the guide to do this.
I'll let you know how i get on................or what the scrap value currently is for a gti 8v 

step by step on how to do it.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?3445064

[VW BUSH]

£125 scrap as is on wheels.

[sharki786]

£125 scrap as is on wheels.

  pi$$ take