Ignition/Electrical Problems

[nathalie0226]

I have an issue with my ignition and would like some insight before taking it to the mechanic.
After I start my car and disengage the handbrake, the "brake" light is dimly lit (should be off). At the same time, my driving lights, windshield wipers, and a/c or heating vents dont work. I can push the key forward more, which causes all of the above will work and the "brake" light goes out. However, the key doesnt stay in that far position and turns back toward me. If I jiggle the key in multiple directions, after a few minutes I'll find the sweet spot where the lights and other accessories will come on. Then driving down the road, there is a high probability that the lights will go out and the "brake" light is dimly lit again. While attempting to get the lights back on I am constantly flashing my headlights at other drivers!
I think that I need a new ignition switch. However, it could also be bad wires or maybe even a shortage.
My cabrio is a 1997 2.0 highline.

[twenty4valve]

Id definately suspect the ignition switch for now.

[halfofnothing]

Originally Posted by twenty4valve

Id definately suspect the ignition switch for now.

x2
extra characters cuz this new bs is gay.

[619MK3]

my mk3 does the same thing and i just replaced the ignition switch. i have no idea what the problem is.

[Musicmaaster]

if you can move the key in different places then i too would suspect the ignition switch....the only thing that i can think of being the problem is stripped or cut wires grounding out or touching each other...or inside the switch itself the problem being the moving contacts...sometimes they break or fall out of position just from moving it...i had problems with my headlight switch (((not really the same but same idea)))....i had to wiggle it in order for the headlights to go out so i pulled it apart and noticed two things the contacts had become full of grime...im not really sure what it was but it was preventing electrical contact and there was a peice that moved the contacts was broken...cleaned the contacts replaced the plastic piece and all is well....if you can i would see if you could just remove the ignition switch and pull it apart and see if the contacts are worn or out of place...if all is good there then there is a wiring problem but i suspect it is a contact problem because it will eventually work in the right position...