Ignition switch issue?

[stu 88]

I've been told Mk3's can have a problem with the ignition switch? Is this true? What happens? I'm wondering if that's the problem with my car not starting and not a immobiliser fault??

[Mikester]

What will happen is you turn the key all the way to the notch before start, everyhing lights up, and then when you twist it one more to start it. It wont start the car.

Signs of wear are if you have to turn the key hard, apply pressure, or have to twist it to far.

Mine went and eventually you couldnt start the car without twisting the key in an exact way.

[boneybradley]

put the key in and wobble it around..see if any lights flicker on the dash (also try the wobble when trying to start it too...i warn you there a pain to fit if it is faulty!!)

[Mikester]

I paid someone to fit mine. It was like £19 for the part. And £90 labour. At a TRUSTED auto electrician.

[Adam]

cost me £20 to have mine done and that was including the part, and it was at a VW garage.

If it was an ignition fault it would turnover but not start?

[Mikester]

no mate.

That is like igntion relating to engine electrics not sparking the engine.

The igntion switch is in the barrel of the lock that you turn the key in to start it.

[Wayne]

I replaced the complete inner column on mine looked to be the best way forward.

[stu 88]

What will happen is you turn the key all the way to the notch before start, everyhing lights up, and then when you twist it one more to start it. It wont start the car.

Would it suddnly do that? it seemed to be fine then 30 mind later it wouldn't start?

[Mikester]

Not really. Mine progressed over months really.

But then again, one day i would get it right, next day i would have to try 3 times to hit the switch right.

Its hard to explain, but once its replaced you realised just how buggered it was.

[VR6-Joe]

Immobiliser fault - I removed the chip from my key and then attempted to start the car to see what would happen if I ever did have problems with the immobiliser. The car turned over and fired up, although died straight away. As soon as I put the chip back in the key and started the car, it ran perfectly again. Is yours doing that?