Starting problem- SOLVED

[kentishvanman]

Hi,
Have had intermitant starting problem for some time ie turn key--nothing, especially when we are going away.
Finally traced problem to ignition switch. Original switch was faulty and discovered yesterday so was the replacement that I put in a couple of months back. I assumed wrongly that 'cos it was new it was ok.
If you have doubts about the switch try pushing the red and red/black wires on the back of the switch hard onto the spade terminals while turning the key. This has the effect of making the correct contact inside the switch.This lack of contact is why it doesn't work.
Solving the problem became easier because the intermitant problem became permanent last week.
Hope this helps someone.
Don

[ermie571]

Don,

thanks for this.....

I too have replaced a switch....and on occassion it too fails to start the van..........but pushing key in firmer does!
Where did you get your original new switch from, and you new better switch?

thanks
Emx

[kentishvanman]

Em,
I get 95% of my spares from J. Bowles nr. Sevenoaks. They have a place in Tunbridge Wells. They are mainly vw garage and Bosch outlet. They only use genuine parts, or equivilant, no pattern parts. However the original one came from them, as did the latest one, and they don't know how the first one got on to their shelves.
I do use pattern parts sometimes, depends what it is, but on the whole prefer the genuine bit. Costs more but less problems. I think you will find the pattern part switch is about £8 but the vw one is £25ish.
VW Heritage have both.
Try my wire pushing trick and see what happens but from what you say it could be the key barrel.
Hope that helps.
Don