multifunction switch?

[getset]

This is a very odd electrical problem which I hae never experienced. I'll start my 87 vanagon, and the lights won't turn on, (or my heater or wipers). Sometimes I can turn the key on and off and get them to come on, but sometimes not. However, if I pull the brights (passing lights) everything works. I have looked through the bently at the various switches and conntections in the area around the steering, and have decided to make an educated guess that it is the multifunction switch. However, I was hoping to get a little confirmation before I order the part.

Cheers!

[r39o]

Gosh, the usual thing to do, areound here, is to go the Pick-A-Part for that part and just try it. They are not cheap to buy new.

Did you try to reseat the connectors? Did you use the Bentley and a test lamp or meter to verify your suspections?

It is a pretty basic circuit and sometimes the switches can act funny. By funny, I mean the can come unsnapped and act weird. Seen that before.

I'd try and sub another one in, first. You can do that with out removing the steering wheel. Simple. In fact, to test, you can even use switches out a Jetta or Golf. They are all almost identical excepting the switch arm is shaped different. If needed, I can send a brown one that worked for you to test with.

As stated those switches are not cheap. But, then again they do not fail that often, actually.

Good luck,
Walt...
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)

[getset]

No, I haven't tried to test anything yet. I am just in the information gathering stage. I had not even checked the price untill you said they are expensive, and yes you are right. I will have a closer look at my current siuation, and make sure something hasn't just rattled loose. I do spend a little time offroad and on logging roads with it. I hope it just needs a little encouragement.
-Josh

[Dogpilot]

I had the same problems, and it turned out to be the ignition switch! If you remove the cover to the steering column and wiggle the connector or wire bundle and your light come on and the ac works you may have found your culprit. It is a bit of fun to get out, but only about an hour job.

Cheers,
James
_________________
Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G

[CF]

it sounds like the accer. side of the ing. switch is shot . due to the high beams are always hot you are "by passing the main supply " recheck all pwer supply and relays .remember vw put flimsy wire in .

[Captain Pike]

Ig switch,jump it to be sure.
_________________
LEARN TO SELF RESCUE
59 Panel bus, 1966 Single cab. 73' 181. 73 Westy. 91' H6 Vanagon 3.3L.
.....................All Current.......................

[getset]

Turns out it is the ignition switch. Now on to the replacing. The Bently says to remove the steering column lock. Is that the same thing as the steering lock housing? And if so do I need a special puller? Or will any old puller work?

Thanks everyone

Josh

[Dogpilot]

it is the entire silver colored part. Unplug everything take off the turn signal and wiper stalks tap on a piece of 2x4 from the backside, make sure the column is unlocked.

Putting it back on is the trick. You have to make sure that the part where the column compresses (the weird rubber and offeset pin part on the bottom) keeps from compressing when you tap it back in place.

Cheers,
james
_________________
Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G

[getset]

Thanks James. That sounds simple enough, and I happen to have a large pile of 2x4 scraps

Cheers!
Josh

[walrus]

I have replaced three ignition switches in my Jetta. It seems that some replacements are from Mexico and are junk. When they went out I had power but could not get it to crank.
_________________
1987 Syncro west. conversion
1991 Jetta gli

[getset]

Success, well almost. I was able to replace the ignition switch with relative ease. Thanks for the tip about keeping the column from compressing. I cut a peice of wood to wedge between the joing at the base and the floor board. Started it up and everything worked perfectly. Except, my horn doesn't function. i made sure and space the sleve two inches from the top of the column, and the turnsignal stich. I am sure that will be easy enough to figure out.
Thanks again
Josh

[r39o]

FYI: Over the years I have come to find out that large key bundles are the main ignition switch killers. Aside from over current conditions, big bundles of keys place a stress on the lock which translates to a deflection in the end inside which pushes on the contacts inside the switch.

I always have a spare in the van, just in case.
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)

[getset]

I am also a strong believer in keeping the key bundle down to a minimum. I have seen keys fall out of ignitions, with their keychain having at least five pounds of keys on it.