Ignition Switch Problem? or something else?

[AZ_NaTiV]

I have a '02 EV and I'm having some weird ignition problems. I didn't have any problems with the EV until Monday morning (so convenient) I went to start the car and it wouldn't crank or do anything. All the dash lights came on like normal. The key just turns with almost no resistance. I took out the key and the all the dash lights stayed on, including the brake light, and the key in ignition bell kept going off. The only way to get the lights to go off was to unplug the battery.

When I turn the key there is some kind of ticking from the shifter but there is no start crank.

Any ideas?

[pwschuh]

Obvious guess would be a failed ignition switch. Cheap to buy a replacement although a little tricky to install.

[gti_matt]

The ticking from the shifter is probably the start interlock that is integrated with the ignition key being turned. Sounds like everything at your ignition key is going bonkers and confusing the rest of the vehicle's items that are powered only when the ignition is on. Especially if the key seems to turn too freely with less resistance, yeah - ignitiion. Usually it's just the electrical switch and not the lock cylinder but if it feels different when turning the key, I wonder if the lock cylinder is also messed up.

[AZ_NaTiV]

Okay, I had already ordered an ignition switch and it should arrive today. I will check back in with the results.

[swim4au2001]

And the condition of the battery is?

Bob W

[gti_matt]

Says the key turns with almost no resistance though. Not sure I'd suspect the battery if that's the case; sounds like the lock cylinder is failing.

[J T]

I realize this thread is over a year old, but I'm having the identical symptoms in my 2002 MV. What was the outcome of the ignition switch replacement? I've ordered one and I hope that does the trick. Thanks.

[AZ_NaTiV]

It was NOT the ignition switch. I replaced that and the problem continued. I had it towed to my local VW shop and they replaced the lock cylinder. Had to get new keys and everything.

[dooksniffer]

I have the exact same problem with my 1993 MV. The lock cylinder gave out an hour away from home at a Phils game. Thankfully it's manual trans. so we could pop start it in the lot.

For now I just disconnected the switch and use a key to turn it. I'm trying to avoid going to the dealer to fix for obvious reasons however the multi step starting process is getting annoying and I will need to have it fixed for state inspection.

Is it tough to switch out the lock cylinder? I would be happy with getting one that is already keyed and just have seperate locking and ignition keys.

[gti_matt]

Is it tough to switch out the lock cylinder? I would be happy with getting one that is already keyed and just have seperate locking and ignition keys.

When you have the column covers off on your other problem, you can see what's involved. I think I've heard that the only gotcha is there may be a retaining screw that is a PITA to reach.

However while you're in there, I would blindly replace the electrical portion of the switch too. It's an inexpensive part (under $20) but is known to fail.

[mtb2liv]

Has anyone done the lock cylinder replacement themselves? Is DIY not cool on this issue?

I just got home with my beloved '01 EV MVW on a flat bed for the same exact issue: resistance free key turn, all dash lights stay on, no start.

I have the black plastic housing around the column off, but that's as far as I went until I looked here (again; I love this forum).

Any help on the lock cylinder replacement? I'll prob do the electrical portion of the switch while in there...HELP!?

[jets]

This may be of some help.