My Passat refused to start... the engine would turn nice and strong but refused to fire. Checked for a spark and found that I got a brief one as I released the ignition switch - but as the engine hadn't started it did not continue.

I've found that if I leave the ignition switch in the on position (but do not move it to the start position) and then put a live jumper to the starter motor, the engine turns and fires instantly.

I'm thinking that when the ignition switch is in the start postion, it is turning the starter motor but is not supplying the coil... when the switch is in the "on" postion, the coil gets power.

Is there any reason other than a dickie ignition switch? No fuse has blown - but could this be a relay problem?

The car has been starting like a dream, right on the button, for years. No signs of a problem, it just stopped. To me this seems strange for a switch... normally they show some signs of fault before they go....

Any ideas?

HoG