Ignition Switch Help

[foxnoobie]

So I went to start my car today and it started to turn over then just stopped. Tried again wouldn't turn. Thought it was the battery at first so I had a neighbor try to jump it. Still nothing. We push started it and it fired right up. Went to autozone battery was fine. He recommended an ignition switch so I went ahead and picked one up. Now I just need a hand replacing it and praying it solves the problem. Bentley guide didn't have any removal or access instructions. As my name and previous posts state I am still a noobie at my fox. Thanks!

[ziddey]

Don't have any advice for changing the actual switch. It's a bit of a pain from what I remember.

But you should be able to test if the problem is with the switch fairly easily. If the Fox is anything like the A2's, you should be able to remove the trim for the steering column to gain access to the ignition switch plug. Plug it into your new switch and carefully try it out (the switch is plastic as you know). If it cranks, you know your problem is with the old switch and the fun part begins.

[foxnoobie]

sigh...Well looks like I have something to do til I goto work in the next couple hours. So when I get the new switch plugged in do I just take a screwdriver or something and try turning the slot on the opposite end of the switch?

EDIT: The small piece that covers the column didn't do any help with removal...Looking like I gotta rip out the dash to gain access which I really don't want to do but hoping someone can chime in with an easier solution or possibly a guide to help out.

[foxnoobie]

A friend recommended possibly jerry rigging a switch to the starter solenoid to get by for now is that possible?

[myboxyfox]

Yes, I've seen this done with a couple cars, it can be a good stop gap/

[90quattrocoupe]

Disconnect battery.
Take off steering wheel.
Unscrew and remove the bottom steering column cover.
Remove 3 screws holding the column switches on.
Gently remove electrical connectors from the column switches.
Remove switches, the upper column cover may come out with these.
Remove the concave washer from steering column. The one with the spring behind it. Watch out for spring. You don't want it to hit you in the face.
Remove the electrical plug from near the ignition switch.
Pull the whole bracket, holding the ignition switch, off the column.
Remove screw holding switch to back of key tumbler.

Install is reverse.

Now it is a while since I did this, so maybe wrong order, or may have left a step out, but this is the basics of it.

Greg W.

[QuantumSyncro]

Disconnect battery.
Take off steering wheel.
Unscrew and remove the bottom steering column cover.
Remove 3 screws holding the column switches on.
Gently remove electrical connectors from the column switches.
Remove switches, the upper column cover may come out with these.
Remove the concave washer from steering column. The one with the spring behind it. Watch out for spring. You don't want it to hit you in the face.
Remove the electrical plug from near the ignition switch.
Pull the whole bracket, holding the ignition switch, off the column.
Remove screw holding switch to back of key tumbler.

Install is reverse.

Now it is a while since I did this, so maybe wrong order, or may have left a step out, but this is the basics of it.

Greg W.

looks like the same procedure I followed. I did use a deep well socket to reseat the collar I think.

steve

[redone17]

not my ad, but thought I would post this:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifie...php?id=1337166

[foxnoobie]

Being super busy at work with 3 jobs, today I finally tried tackling the ignition switch on my Fox. I got as far as putting the new one in but having a hard time resetting the concave washer, I decided to connect the battery and turn the key...nothing...sigh...so maybe its the starter that gave out? Now I need to figure out how to get this concave washer back on I have tried a deep well socket but any other suggestions will be helpful. Thanks!

[denver_fox]

The concave washer is a one-time-use part. Same goes for the steering wheel nut. You can pick up both at the dealership for like $3.00 for a kit.

A 7/8 deep well socket + light hammer raps works great to set the spring, or "the race"
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...steering-wheel

I just put a new ignition in my wagon recently, pretty easy. No more needle-nose keys!

[QuantumSyncro]

Being super busy at work with 3 jobs, today I finally tried tackling the ignition switch on my Fox. I got as far as putting the new one in but having a hard time resetting the concave washer, I decided to connect the battery and turn the key...nothing...sigh...so maybe its the starter that gave out? Now I need to figure out how to get this concave washer back on I have tried a deep well socket but any other suggestions will be helpful. Thanks!

hmmm....I thought a slender deep well socket was all I used. If that's not deep enough then perhaps a length of 3/4" steel pipe nipple?

good luck

steve

[foxnoobie]

hmmm....I thought a slender deep well socket was all I used. If that's not deep enough then perhaps a length of 3/4" steel pipe nipple?

good luck

steve

Well I ordered the retainer kit today should be in this week sometime. Is the retainer what holds the steering shaft in place? Mine falls to the floor now.

[Rogue Leader]

The concave washer is a one-time-use part. Same goes for the steering wheel nut. You can pick up both at the dealership for like $3.00 for a kit.

A 7/8 deep well socket + light hammer raps works great to set the spring, or "the race"
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...steering-wheel

I just put a new ignition in my wagon recently, pretty easy. No more needle-nose keys!

We have had the concave washers and nut off and on in the race car many many many times over the past 4 years, it has never gotten loose. Never replaced them.