Replacing Ignition Switch On MK3?

[losthaplot]

Hi people,

Can someone give me some clear instructions on how to replace an ignition switch (not barrel) on a mk3 golf... done some searching which brought up a few things but couldnt get a clear picture of the procedure so any extra help would be great!

Please bear in mind I have only basic tools i.e hammer, chissels, hands, wrench etc etc etc

thanks

[mrwotto]

I am pretty sure it will require taking the steering wheel off, which with an air bag may be tricky

[Splinter]

You need to disconnect battery, remove airbag (two screws behind wheel), remove big bolt in middel of steering wheel.

Remove stalks and switches remembering where they go.

Buy 'small finger' puller for end of steering column, slide metal barell housing off column, so you can get to switch.

Easy!

....However I took it all to bits, then didn't have a puller, nothing would work (hammer and chistle, etc) so ended up spending an extra half an hour removing shear bolts and entire steering column! Got the job done though!

Garages may only charge £10 for doing it. About £20 for switch from VW

I've heard some of the garages/VW dealers have had to remove the steering column too so I'm glad it's not just me.

Or a novel way of doing it:

I had a faulty switch as well, looked at doing it the right way, had to fix the car, no pullers.....mmm..... looked at the position of the mounting tab on the switch and then drilled down through alu' casting just at the step in the casting, went right through the plastic tab!
pulled out the old lock.
the retaining clips are in the casting so no worries about holding the switch in.
God knows how long it takes with the right tools and the 'know' but this was easy.

[Silent-Hunter]

had to have this done on the old 1.4 mk3 the garage were not best pleased at having to take out the steering column for some reason..