Ignition switch not working

Hello everyone,

our 2002 Polo 9N (1.4 automatic) just surprised us by not working anymore. The key lock functions normally, as does the usual reaction when turning the key. Turning the key to the "ignition" position is very easy, even easier than usual, but nothing happens electrically. Obviously, starting the engine also doesn't work.

The battery has power (it also just survived a 10 km tow with hazard lights and headlights on)... the lights and other electrical components work, but the ignition doesn't turn on.

Does anyone have any ideas? Is there a standard error? I'm particularly surprised by how easily the handle turns, as if the relevant part of the lock isn't being engaged.

It should also be noted that the key removal mechanism on the gear shift side is defective - the locking mechanism has broken, so it no longer fits properly. However, this only has the consequence that you can remove the key both in P and in all other positions. I haven't seen any effects on the lock itself so far... but there could certainly be a connection. However, the starting lock (which only allows starting in P and N) is electrically implemented and still (until recently...) functions.

Best regards and thank you,
Jan

Hi,

"That's probably where the problem lies, with the switch in the ignition lock. It was also available 30 years ago as a safety device." I once broke down completely while driving my old Passat, due to a sudden and total electrical failure.
Should be relatively easy to change.

Greetings from Berlin,
olli

Hi,

how should I imagine it: Does the switch lever, which was originally connected to the lock, now rotate the lever itself and no longer get taken away, or do the contacts themselves no longer switch?

Best regards,

Jan

Hi,

Previously, it was mostly the contacts who had given up. However, I have also seen one that was completely dilapidated.
To find out what you want to know, you need to expand the scope.
Likely, we will probably need to remove the airbag/steering wheel today. "Back in the day, that was enough coverage under the dashboard..."

Greetings,
olli

Hi,

Currently, I know that to replace the ZAS airbag, the steering wheel and the trim pieces need to be removed, so it's actually a slightly larger job that requires a workshop due to the airbag.

Does anyone know if it's possible to access the plug of the switch without having to remove everything? Then, one could measure it precisely before larger breakdowns.

Where... presumably, this doesn't need to be done, because a simple test was very clear: When the ignition is off, activating the turn signal causes the parking light on that side to turn on - this works. When the key is turned, the same thing happens, so the parking light remains on. Therefore, the electrical part is not working... so presumably, the connection to the actual lock is broken. Is it repairable or is a new ZAS the only option?

And: Does anyone know if the key override (which prevents the complete reversal of the key) in an automatic car attacks the mechanical or electrical part?

Best regards,

Jan

Hi,

...that's where we just posted across from each other...

Quote:

Previously, it was mostly the contacts who had given up. However, I have also seen one that was completely dilapidated.

At least the parking light still works , but maybe it's just hanging loose.

And this thing turns very easily, suspiciously easily. There is also no feather resistance at the point where you would start.

Quote:

To find out what you want to know, you need to expand the scope. Likely, we will probably need to remove the airbag/steering wheel today. "Back in the day, that was all you needed...

Yep, the airbags and other similar items need to be removed. Otherwise, it would be too easy for a car thief to simply remove the bottom cover. You can only get this without a steering wheel.

Best regards,

Jan

Hi!
So, the last time I replaced a similar ignition switch,
Fortunately, it was a long time ago.
That was with my old Corrado.
That wasn't funny, I spent the whole day on it, and I took apart half the car.
I even had to somehow get the safety nuts that hold the steering column in place.

And it's all because of that small screw that holds the ignition switch, but you can't get to it otherwise.

And yes, the ignition switches on those older vehicles were very prone to failure.

For example, with the T3, it was quite quick to change.

Hi,

Quote:

And all because of that small screw that holds the ignition switch, but which you can't otherwise get to.

Seems like it's no longer necessary for the Polo 9N:



There are even two posts that describe it more or less in the same way.

I'm just wondering if this is somehow related to the issue with the "deduction lock." It seems suspicious to me that it broke down about 2 months ago. However, the ignition lock hasn't become any heavier or more difficult to use since then. But this also needs to be tested: If I move the lever down while pressing the cap, I can manually activate the lock and see what happens.

Best regards,

Jan

Hi,

So... everything has been disassembled and examined. The ignition switch is in order. What is broken is the follower on the side of the ignition lock. If you essentially reach into the hole where the ignition switch sits, then in the middle you have the shaft that engages with the switch. It can be rotated in any direction and is quite loose, but you can't pull it out.

The ZAS itself is perfectly fine. If you turn it with the screwdriver while the key is stuck in the ignition due to the WFS, then the car starts and everything works.

Best regards,

Jan