New ignition barrel???

[tobz.]

I think I've asked this before but does anybody know if you can order a new ignition barrel from VAG for an existing key???
Sometimes the ignition on my mk2 is a b!tch to switch-on, you have to wiggle the key a bit, take it out, put it back in then it will switch-on. The key is the original VAG key and doesn't look at all worn (I've got two they both do it). I don't really want the hassle of changing all the locks, just wanna change the ignition switch before I end up stranded.

Anybody know???

Toby

[mrwotto]

Try changing the switch at the back of the barrel the problem could well be that.

By the way does any one know how to change a barrel as i cant suss it out.

I need to change my switch / barrel on my mk2, but cant see anyway of getting the barrel out?

[gibby]

Tobz, I asked the very same question to VAG the other week and the answer I got was a resounding "No" but they can however get you a new key to fit a new barrel that fits all the new locks that they would gladly change for you at some extorniate rate ! 

Before doing anything so drastic there should be a white plug at the bottom of the ignition barrel, these can wear out too, try getting a new one of those first as I've had to get mine changed and they only cost about ?10 from ECP. I forgot what the part is called though. 

Failing this I guess it's a new barrel with a new key that's going to be different to your door locks I'm afraid. 

[tobz.]

Hmmm looks like I'm in for some expense at some point then.
Gibby when you say the white plug at the bottom wears out is the symptom that the key turns but the ignition doesn't come on or that the key simply wont turn???
My symptom is that I can't physically turn the key.

The ignition of my gf's 1991 driver is exactly the same, I'm sure I've heard that VW ignitions are known to wear out easily.

[Mr Blue]

i know your not daft but sure its nothing to do with the steering lock? tried shaking the steering when turning?

[tobz.]

i know your not daft

Cheers Blue, flattery will get you everywhere 

Good suggestion blue but unfortunately it seems so be independant of whether the steering lock is on or not. The first time it happened the steering lock was off, seems to be the same regardless of whether the steering lock is on or off. Most of the time it switches on absolutely fine, but then there'll be the occasion where it might take 30seconds of messing about

[free]

i had that prob with the swich on my gti all the time took ages 2 sus it out, ,
it wouldent turn the fuel pump on, and you had to just keep turning it n and off till it kicked in

[gibby]

Gibby when you say the white plug at the bottom wears out is the symptom that the key turns but the ignition doesn't come on or that the key simply wont turn???
My symptom is that I can't physically turn the key.

Ah ! Maybe not then, the symptoms I was getting was the stereo wouldn't come on as there wasn't a full circuit and it turned out to be the connector in this plug had worn, otherwise I could turn the key on and off with no problems.

[tobz.]

My stereo comes on no problem as soon as I put the key in (infact that can be a pain, you put the key in and music comes blaring out to further stress you out while you're struggling with the key!!!).
It seems like I have more of a mechanical failure than an electrical one, as soon as the key turns the switch works 100% as it should.

Looks like that full set of locks is looming 

[hairyarse]

Hold up - despite what your vw man says there may () be an answer.

I know you can get a 'kit' from VW for about ?30 to re-tumble locks to suit a specific key. It was posted on MK1 Owners Club forum recently (site is down at present ) It sorts problem if for eg (like on my car) your drivers door lock is different to rest, you can re-tumble the lock to suit original key. It's a b!tch that it's your ignition but if same as MK1 then case of drilling a hole in the right place to remove (Haynes will tell you) then you could possibly re-tumble existing lock or just get another 2nd hand one and re-tumble that.

Hope that all makes sense?!