mark 3 golf.wont start!

[jellybaby.se]

has anyone had any probs with the ignition starter switch on mk 3golf (se).would like to no if you can just change the switch or does the whole steering colum have to be changed? had car few days and wont start -was perfect when i got it. im gutted!

[star]

few quick questions, have you definitely diagnosed the ignition switch? been through all the usual suspects of dizzy cap, rotor arm, leads, coil?
does it turn over and just not fire up?

i have had exactly the same issues with mine, went through changing all the usual suspects and eventually figured it was the ignition switch. i can get it to start now by turning the key gingerly as far back as it will go, then it fires up.

as far as fixing the problem, ive been told its a really cheap but time consuming and fiddly fix, so going by that, it should just be the part and not a whole column replacement. i'll be attempting mine with the assistance of a haynes manual next weekend.

[jellybaby.se]

yeah am pretty sure! Bascialy i was driving it all morning went to petrol garage and wouldnt start-doesnt turn over no life whats so ever.i was resuced by my breakdown who bumped me from second gear and it got me home said it was the starter motor.
my brother (who is a quilfied technican) said that there is power from starter motor so cant be that. After leaving him with the car for a bit we discovered that if you lift the key up quite high as you crank it it will start!! so he has tested switch and when you manually press it in it starts up! hope that makes sense!

[Crasher]

The switch is a right pain to change. You have to remove the air bag (if fitted), then the column switches, extract the column adapter sleeve with a puller and then remove the lock housing at which point you can change the switch. Only fit a genuine switch, pattern ones are hopelessly unreliable. I have heard of some people taking the whole column out to avoid having to extract the adapter but I have never tried it.

[jellybaby.se]

yeah thats the info i got this evening as well, and mine has got an airbag so an extra thing to take out! good luck with yours hope all goes well,my part should be here 2moz and fitted by weekend so if you need any help i will try and help!!- or do wot i usally do and ask my brother!! lol.
thanx for info

[Crasher]

Remember, do not turn on the ignition with the air bag disconnected or you will have the air bag light on until someone clears the code for you.

[gotoflow]

hi mite not be the switch if u still havent changed it try taking the wires out the back of it. you should have a fat red wire on the let side and a black wire at the bottom put a wire between them, it should light up ur dash. then you have a fat red/black wire beside the red one, put a wire from that to the red one and the car should start. if you still have the problem you no it is not the switch because u have just cut out the switch.