96 golf problems

[suzuki_rf]

hey everyone i have a 1.8 golf CL and i was starting to have problems a little while back. When i go to turn on the ignition it wouldent work then i try again and it fired right up, now i try and i get nothing, cept for the rare ocasion it works for some reason! so i checked the batery posts and basic stuff like that but id like to get some input before i start going at the car.
Thanks

[keehn]

Could possibly be the ignition switch in your steering column if the engine isn't making any noises when it fails to start.

I'd start there, as ignition switches are notorious for failing on VW's (I had a 75' microbus with a failed switch so the problem spans generations).

Here's a good writeup on changing out the switch:

VWvortex Forums: new ignition switch install

[suzuki_rf]

thanks for the link man kinda what i thought it could be but didnt realize how notorious VW's were for this, seems too easy now :P

[Handeye]

It's sort of a pain to replace. I'd suggest plugging the new one into the harness only to test if this corrects your problem first.

[keehn]

I agree with Handeye, this will be a pain to replace. However, if you look at the DIY I linked, this will allow you to remove the switch itself without having to remove the tumbler chamber...often the bane of people doing this job.

[BadBradokc]

I have found many times the reason for ignition switch failure, is that people have a Giant ring of keys that hang off the ignition switch which the weight and tension cracks the ignition switch. So, If you go and replace the ignition switch but then again use the giant keyring full of keys you will have the same problem again, which is a headche to change. I learned to hard way, as now I have only a few keys on the keyring...

[stocksj]

Most likely it's the ignition switch. I just today finished switching mine out and it wasn't that bad except for getting the steering column shaft re-aligned and pulling the ignition switch. It starts right up. The direction posted work and with a little help it could be done in 1 - 2 hours.

Change out the switch and don't drag around with it.

Jim

96 Golf GL 2.0

[Vee Dub 03]

I had the same thing happen to me i also had a 96 golf it is the ignition switch but it is really a pain to get out u have to take off the wheel and all the plastics