Help! My key no workie..

**rayray086** · 22-04-2008, 09:41 PM

Replacing ignition switch isn't too hard (if I can do it, 99% guaranteed you can too

).

1. Unhook battery negative terminal.
2. Make sure steering wheel is straight.
3. Take off the steering column shroud and plastic trim under the steering wheel.
4. Unplug all the looms connecting to the steering wheel.
5. Take off the steering column cover down at the footwell near the pedals. It'll reveal a U-joint. Use liquid paper or something visible to mark out where the shaft sits on the U-joint.
6. Remove the bolt and nut that holds the U-joint to the shaft (don't remember the size sorry). Don't lose the spring around the shaft.
7. You should be able to remove the whole steering column out. From behind you can remove the ignition switch. You need a really thin screw driver to pop it out though. Once that's done, put the new one in and do the reverse to fit it back on.

Remember to place the spring back into its original location. Getting the bolt back onto the U-joint is a **** of a job though. It's tricky getting it into the right position because of the notch but isn't too bad if you have a helper.

Edit: If you have a Bentley, don't follow their method unless you have a puller. Also, I reckon it's easier doing this method anyway as the Bentley way requires you to remove the airbag and all. It's a bit of a bitch!

**bombsquad21** · 22-04-2008, 10:11 PM

Thanks Ray!

I'm gonna try and source a switch tomorrow. I found similar instructions on the vortex (yours are better). I might even take my drivers seat out cause i'm kinda too big to be messing around down there with limited space. I'll let ya'll know how i get on.

**bombsquad21** · 24-04-2008, 11:12 AM

Well after some help from all the friendly folk in the MK3 area of VWW I set about replacing my ignition switch. Best thing is, the switch cost $15 new from imparts at Eagle Farm in Brisbane.

But first I had to remove the old switch..

The car in question..

Disconnected the battery..

Removed the drivers seat. (note the ghetto Vr6 bolster repair, ignore the E30)

**bombsquad21** · 24-04-2008, 11:15 AM

removed the clamshell and associated trim pieces..

Six week old Francesca was supposed to be helping out from the back seat..but she kept getting flathead and phillips head mixed up, when I told her off she cried.

wires unplugged

Infamous U joint!

**bombsquad21** · 24-04-2008, 11:29 AM

Disconnected the unijoint, easy. The gold bolt which holds the column to the dash frame had already been removed previously it seemed. And was easy to unscrew. With a swift tug out comes the steering wheel.

Unscrewed the old switch..new one is on the right.

Reattaching the uni joint was a pain in the a$$, especially as I was operating solo. But i eventually got it to co-operate.

After that it was just a matter of connecting everything back up. But get the this!!

The car now starts, but it still requires too much of a twist of the key for my liking. Can anyone hazzard a guess as to why it's not as it should be. Could the imobilizer ring thingy be to blame?