TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Oct 29, 2009 5:47 pm

So, I get in my '68, insert the key and turn it, and no green or red light.

After some jiggling and twisting of the key, the lights come on, the car starts, and off I go.

Obviously there's a faulty connection in there, and Saturday, I'll address it. Just wondered if anyone had dealt with a similar issue, and wondered what you did... Is it hard to pull the key-cylinder, and how'd you do it? Is it even required?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thu Oct 29, 2009 6:17 pm

If you have aq book it is a five minute job. There are two parts. The key part and the electrical part. Check your mauals and it is easy as changing a spark plug.

Thu Oct 29, 2009 7:09 pm

Fitz,Check this out: http://www.vw-resource.com/ignition_switch_replacement.html

Thu Oct 29, 2009 8:38 pm

I've done the electrical portion replacement, both on my '70 and on my '71. Took me less than one hour, pretty straightforward. The replacement switch may have extra wires coming from it, like for buzzers, etc., don't sweat that.

Fri Oct 30, 2009 7:35 am

I went as far as disassembling the electrical portion of the switch. If you have patience, needle nose pliers, jewlers screwdrivers and tweezers you can do it.

Either the internals have come apart, or the electrical contacts are burnt and need to be cleaned. If the contacts are burnt you should consider a "hard start relay".

I've had two switches go bad and both could be repaired by me at home. One came completely apart with small springs and ball bearings falling to the floor. I found all the little bits and figured out how they fit back together.

Best to take it apart slowly so you can see how each part fits together and how the "single Start" mechanism works. The two switches I took apart were both for a '71 but how each worked was completely different. The '71 and earlier switches used steel cases, so you are in luck. They is less chance of breaking than a plastic case.

Fri Oct 30, 2009 1:02 pm

julrich366 wrote: Fitz,Check this out: http://www.vw-resource.com/ignition_switch_replacement.html

This is great! Thanks a million! :D :D :D :D :D

Sat Oct 31, 2009 1:37 pm

Got a new switch at Always V-dub here in Portland, and will pull the column apart tomorrow and install. Right now, I'm going to sit on my ass and do nothing, because that's what seems right... :wink:

Sat Oct 31, 2009 2:42 pm

I pulled my assembly out easily. My problem is, I took out the set screw and got the electrical assemply out of the wheel lock, but I can't get the ignition switch out of the wheel lock mech. I read the vw resource on 1972 switches and they talk about depressing a spring to remove the ignition switch, but I can't figure out what they are talking about.

Anyone else unable to remove switch from lock mech? Tips?

Sat Oct 31, 2009 3:01 pm

I got my switch out. Fyi, it takes some tricky finger work to hold down the lock spring and pull the switch at the same time.