[candela]

seems like we've all had to replace our ignition switches this year, huh?
well it was time, so I did a search & found the traditional way of changing
it out involving a puller,
and then there's this way:

Quote, originally posted by jok3sta »

disconnect battery make sure steering wheel is locked remove the steering column surround ( 2 screws on either end ) go under dash and using a 13mm wrench and socket remove the bolt holding the steering column to the u joint unplug every plug goin into the steering column by the steering wheel including the ignition and airbag now on the left side there is a gold round headed bolt that holds the column to the dash support. use a vise grip and take that out. comes out pretty easily after the first initial turn. can do it with your fingers after.. then u can pull the steering wheel and everything comes out as one piece. now the only problem now is ur are goin to need a thin screw driver to reach the screw holding the ignition switch in.. after than just re install in reverse order and your done.. Do at your own risk though.. im not responsible if someone damages there car in the process or gets hurt this is jus a lil help for those who dont feel like pulling apart everything..

I snapped a few pics of the process for whoever so you'll know exactly what to look for..
here it is with the cover off..

the infamous u-joint..

it's a little tight getting in here.. hold the top bolt in place, undo the nut..

13mm, looks like this from the top..

unplug all these, including the airbag & the ignition..

this one comes out easily..

now you're ready to pull out the steering column..

now take the switch out with an eyeglass kit phillips head..

now put the new one in and put everything back together..
old switch/new switch comparison..

Modified by candela at 8:42 PM 9-4-2009

 

[FL 2.0L]

Beauty. Super easy that way.

 

[luvinJesus]

Re: (FL 2.0L)

man put some wd40 on those joints...thats killing me

 

[candela]

Re: (luvinJesus)

they're rockin' mad lube bro

 

[79909]

this needs to be a sticky !!!,im making a PDF just incase it goes bye bye....good job man!!!, thanks alot for the pics...im about to do this install in a few days

 

[MetroBrian]

Re: (kewlrichie)

I just used a bearing seperator and pulled the switch housing off. then put in the new switch and put it all back together. Whole hell of a lot easier than taking the whole column out.
Brian

 

[envi]

Re: (MetroBrian)

Mine is starting to go, this really cleared things up. THank you.

 

[Dan J Reed]

Re: new ignition switch install (candela!)

http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif Good pics!!! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
Thanks!

 

[golfgen3]

Re: new ignition switch install (Dan J Reed)

this post came just in time too, just got the ignition switch from PAP parts http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
thansk for the right up def cleared up some issues I had... I got one question for everyone, is a new sheer bolt necessary for reinstalling? Im just going under the assumption no one bothers replacing such a bolt after taking the old one out because the ujoint holds eveyrthing in place after all.

 

[Teufelhunde]

Re: new ignition switch install (golfgen3)

How did you like getting that one bolt off the upper steering column?
That bolt luckily didnt come on my car, mine had a hex keyed bolt there.

Trying to remove that bolt from a junkyard car, lets just say, I needed them to use a torch and cut that ish off.

 

[benzivr6]

Re: new ignition switch install (candela!)

Excellent write up bro gonna do this later this week

 

[tjm0852]

Re: new ignition switch install (benzivr6)

First timer here, using this method.
Took about 2.5 hours from start to finish.
Avoiding having to pull that 'steering wheel hub' off makes it a lot easier http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[general problem]

nice thread dude http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[Franco...]

Re: (general problem)

figured i'd bump this up, cuz i just used it and its a quality DIY.
I'd like to add after you remove the bolt for the u-joint, you might need to hammer the shaft loose.
thanks for the write up http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[tifosi2k2]

Re: (Franco...)

Quote, originally posted by Franco... »

figured i'd bump this up, cuz i just used it and its a quality DIY. I'd like to add after you remove the bolt for the u-joint, you might need to hammer the shaft loose. thanks for the write up http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

HA! I just finished it as well! Excellent write-up. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
I did however have a hard time getting that damn little screw out that was between the steering column and the actual ignition switch

Had to steal a jewelers screw driver from my dad, and it was still a PITA. But it's all back together, and it works!
Thanks again for the excellent write up! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[jhayesvw]

Re: (tifosi2k2)

i did mine the old way.
but this way looks easy too. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[totfjamie]

how do you tell when your ignition switch is starting to go?

 

[Brewtech]

Re: (totfjamie)

Quote, originally posted by totfjamie »

how do you tell when your ignition switch is starting to go?

Lights, and accesories dont work when you drive

 

[Brewtech]

this should go in the DIY section. I'm serial people.

 

[stereo]

Re: (Brewtech)

this is a vw cabrio 97....
can anyone tell me how to take this off?