GTI Loses Power

>Follow-up question: do you think the problem is confined to the electrical
>portion of the switch, or do you think the lock cylinder itself is worn and
>also needs replacing?

In the past, I've gotten away with only replacing the switch but take
a closer look when everything is apart. In my experience, make sure
the steering wheel is straight before you take things apart.

>Anyway, thanks for the tip!

Glad to help.

Darryl.

Just finished removing the ignition switch. Not a particularly difficult
job. The lock washer that holds the steering column housing in place took a
bit of time to remove by carefully tapping around it with a drift, working
it gradually outward. I especially liked the part when the spring under the
lock washer launched the washer toward my head at considerable speed after
one too many taps. Fortunately, I was ready for it and it ended up in the
back seat rather than between my eyes. No harm, no foul. I'm going to try
and pick up a new switch early next week; I'll let you all know how it all
works out.

--
Kent
1987 VW GTI 8V, original owner, 221,500+ miles

"Darryl" > wrote in message
...
> >Follow-up question: do you think the problem is confined to the
electrical
> >portion of the switch, or do you think the lock cylinder itself is worn
and
> >also needs replacing?
>
> In the past, I've gotten away with only replacing the switch but take
> a closer look when everything is apart. In my experience, make sure
> the steering wheel is straight before you take things apart.
>
> >Anyway, thanks for the tip!
>
> Glad to help.
>
> Darryl.

>From: "Kent"
>
>Just finished removing the ignition switch. Not a particularly difficult
>job. The lock washer that holds the steering column housing in place took a
>bit of time to remove by carefully tapping around it with a drift, working
>it gradually outward. I especially liked the part when the spring under the
>lock washer launched the washer toward my head at considerable speed after
>one too many taps. Fortunately, I was ready for it and it ended up in the
>back seat rather than between my eyes. No harm, no foul. I'm going to try
>and pick up a new switch early next week; I'll let you all know how it all
>works out.
>
>--
>Kent
>1987 VW GTI 8V, original owner, 221,500+ miles

glad you are alright!
next time replace the steering wheel nut on the shaft. ;-)
I think I have been able to use some large pliers and turn that "locking nut"
and get it to safely screw off.

I have actually taking the ign switch apart on my 91 Passat and replaced the
faulty spring from an earlier switch to repair that switch.
Your switch is probably burnt with carbon but the springs are fine. That would
require a good cleaning/light sanding. :-)
What do you have to lose since you are purchasing a new one anyway???
You will be carefully prying the round cover off. (Key section down, terminals
up)

Watch those springs and small metal pieces inside though! lol

later,
dave
Reminder........
Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way,
when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their
shoes. Frieda Norris

Put the steering wheel nut on the shaft to keep the lock washer from
becoming a dangerous projectile? Duh, that seems pretty obvious. Maybe it
would have done me some good to have the washer smack me in the head!
--
Kent
1987 VW GTI 8V, original owner, 221,500+ miles

"dave" > wrote in message
...
> >From: "Kent"
> >
> >Just finished removing the ignition switch. Not a particularly difficult
> >job. The lock washer that holds the steering column housing in place took
a
> >bit of time to remove by carefully tapping around it with a drift,
working
> >it gradually outward. I especially liked the part when the spring under
the
> >lock washer launched the washer toward my head at considerable speed
after
> >one too many taps. Fortunately, I was ready for it and it ended up in the
> >back seat rather than between my eyes. No harm, no foul. I'm going to try
> >and pick up a new switch early next week; I'll let you all know how it
all
> >works out.
> >
> >--
> >Kent
> >1987 VW GTI 8V, original owner, 221,500+ miles
>
> glad you are alright!
> next time replace the steering wheel nut on the shaft. ;-)
> I think I have been able to use some large pliers and turn that "locking
nut"
> and get it to safely screw off.
>
> I have actually taking the ign switch apart on my 91 Passat and replaced
the
> faulty spring from an earlier switch to repair that switch.
> Your switch is probably burnt with carbon but the springs are fine. That
would
> require a good cleaning/light sanding. :-)
> What do you have to lose since you are purchasing a new one anyway???
> You will be carefully prying the round cover off. (Key section down,
terminals
> up)
>
> Watch those springs and small metal pieces inside though! lol
>
> later,
> dave
> Reminder........
> Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That
way,
> when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their
> shoes. Frieda Norris
>

>From: "Kent"
>
>Put the steering wheel nut on the shaft to keep the lock washer from
>becoming a dangerous projectile? Duh, that seems pretty obvious. Maybe it
>would have done me some good to have the washer smack me in the head!


Near misses are better than getting hit. YOU WILL STILL REMEMBER!!!! LOL

And of course others hopefully read this and you save their eyes! ;-)

later,
dave
Reminder........
Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way,
when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their
shoes. Frieda Norris