Ignition Switch Problem with 1996 Jetta

[ABA OBD2]

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?

[Banzai KG]

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
_________________
Jim Kikuchi
Sunnyvale (near San Jose), CA
1964 Karmann Ghia coupe
V.V.W.C.A. - Golden Gate Chapter: http://www.ggcvvwca.org/
B.L.T.N. (Better Late Than Never) late model VW Club (San Jose/Santa Clara, CA): https://www.facebook.com/groups/bltnvw/
NorCal Aircooled Group (NAG) Facebook Goup: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NAGVW/

[ABA OBD2]

thanks!!!!

[Buckly]

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.
_________________
Cool runnins,
_______________________
Bucky

[Banzai KG]

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.
_________________
Jim Kikuchi
Sunnyvale (near San Jose), CA
1964 Karmann Ghia coupe
V.V.W.C.A. - Golden Gate Chapter: http://www.ggcvvwca.org/
B.L.T.N. (Better Late Than Never) late model VW Club (San Jose/Santa Clara, CA): https://www.facebook.com/groups/bltnvw/
NorCal Aircooled Group (NAG) Facebook Goup: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NAGVW/

[Buckly]

Nice. If that works, it seems like it would make things alot easier.
_________________
Cool runnins,
_______________________
Bucky

[ABA OBD2]

[Banzai KG]

Glad to hear that DIY worked out for you.
_________________
Jim Kikuchi
Sunnyvale (near San Jose), CA
1964 Karmann Ghia coupe
V.V.W.C.A. - Golden Gate Chapter: http://www.ggcvvwca.org/
B.L.T.N. (Better Late Than Never) late model VW Club (San Jose/Santa Clara, CA): https://www.facebook.com/groups/bltnvw/
NorCal Aircooled Group (NAG) Facebook Goup: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NAGVW/