TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Mar 29, 2009 7:43 pm

I don't have many tools or my Bentley Manual with me so I am sort of in a jam.
The car was recently in an accident and afterwards the ignition switch seems to be acting up. It will only start the car 1 out of 10 times and recently not at all.

The starter works, if I put the key to the on position and hot wire the starter solenoid it starts. I also replaced the alarm box bc I had an extra. The alarm is not in security mode and no error codes are present. I tested the switch on the clutch pedal and that seems ok.

I've ordered a new ignition switch but I wanted to test the old switch. What is the wire to engage the starter on the plug that goes on the ignition switch?

RED wire = (+) battery
Red/Black strip wire = to fuse box
Black/Yellow strip wire = goes to alarm box??
Black wire = ????
Brown/Red strip Wire =????

with the key in the on position which wire would I supply power to engage the starter?

Sun Mar 29, 2009 9:25 pm

Black = Starter (energizes the solenoid/starter)
Brown/Red = Turns on sensors; O2 sensor, MAF sensor, EVAP Purge Valve, etc...

This is a good guide for:
Tech Info - Sensors, Fuses, Relays, Diagrams and so on... - http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty/dreed/Campingart/jettatech/techset/index.htm

You may also want to bookmark Dan J. Reed's VW Page - http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty/dreed/Campingart/jettatech/index.htm
Alot of great technical info for MKIII DIY (Do-It-Yourself) instructions.

Also bookmark the VW Vortex Golf/Jetta III DIY forum
The "Official" Golf / Jetta MK3 Forum FAQ Welcome to the Golf/Jetta MK3 Do-It-Yourself, How-To and Frequently Asked Question Thread. - http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3370991

Mon Mar 30, 2009 6:44 am

thanks!!!!

Sat Apr 11, 2009 9:33 am

thats a very difficult switch to replace. I reccomend you get both the mechanical and electrical parts of the switch. You have to drill a small hole in the switch carrier to remove the switch, more times than not this damages things enough that the best thing to do is replace the carrier as well.
do not use after market parts on this job. The fit is horrible and will most likely start binding and sticking to the point that it won't move.

Sat Apr 11, 2009 9:54 am

Not difficult at all if you do this DIY procedure:
new ignition switch install - http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2532481

I did the above on my '96 Jetta 2.slow to replace my worn ignition switch, took only around 2-hours.

Sat Apr 11, 2009 11:03 am

Nice. If that works, it seems like it would make things alot easier.

Thu Apr 30, 2009 11:42 am

Banzai KG wrote: Not difficult at all if you do this DIY procedure:
new ignition switch install - http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2532481

I did the above on my '96 Jetta 2.slow to replace my worn ignition switch, took only around 2-hours.

It was a really easy job actually, I ordered the parts from Germanauto.com and got them the next day.

Thu Apr 30, 2009 4:32 pm

Glad to hear that DIY worked out for you. 8)