Ignition switch??

[Seanl]

Hi Gents, car is a 1990 Corrado KR. Went to start the car yesterday night, it spluttered into life so I went to give it some gas and it died. I have no spark so changed the coil for 2 used ones but still no go. I then tested voltage and there was nothing at the coil. I've also noticed my radio has no power, and my elec windows are hit and miss as to having power. I thought I could smell fuel when cranking, but after hearing what I thought was the relay ping on switching on, it's actually relay 18 which is the ignition main relay, I think it phantom smells! I've swapped out the fuel pump relay, again with 2 used ones, and still have nothing. Obviously with the other electric faults, would this suggest ignition switch, or is there something I may have missed, or something else which could cause the non start issue if I hadn't mentioned the radio and windows? I've searched all on here and on the corrado forum, but no real explanations. Any help much appreciated. 

[Diamond Hell]

For a starter, check all your earths.  Make sure nothing's loose or all corroded.

Next up, do you have an alarm on it?  In my experience most wiring problems are caused by idiot alarm installers who think a Scotchlock is an acceptable way of making a connection between two wires.

Next make sure there's no moisture around the back of the fuseboard and ensure all of the connections back there are sound.

Finally have a look at the ignition switch.

[Seanl]

Cheers DH, I did a visual inspection of earths and all seemed ok, but won't hurt giving them a proper clean up regardless. Has an aftermarket immobiliser, which gives no power at all until disabled, I do have power though so think it's ok but again worth a try disconnecting it all. Not had a good look at the back of the fuseboard though. When I get back on Tuesday I'll have a good nose around and test voltages etc. Already bought ign switch from VW so will pick that up as well and see how I get on.

Cheers

[Seanl]

Changed ign switch, and still the same. Dropped the fusebox and it was all dry, and connections were sound too. Thought I'd disconnect the immobiliser, even thought it had been properly spliced and soldered in, and it worked! Module must have been at fault, I can only assume that when I changed the heater matrix the other week, it got wet and something inside has shorted. Ah well, all good now. 

[mattkh]

Hi
Thanks for letting us know.
I would love to see a photo of the Rado.

[Seanl]

Check out my dub rides thread mate. http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=215704.msg1992065#msg1992065

Definitely a work in progress ATM, but hopefully will be looking pretty respectable by the end of summer. 

[Diamond Hell]

Told you it'd be the alarm. 

It's nearly always the alarm, if it's not a dodgy earth.

[Seanl]

Yeah you did, thanks mate. I probably would have overlooked it tbh as its only 4 years old, and was reasonably well installed. Didn't take long to remove so thought I'd do it for peace of mind. Low and behold, it fired straight away!