I need to know how to change an ignition switch on a 98 VW Jetta GLX. Is there anyone who can help me?
Jan 4, 2006 at 1:09 PM
1998 VW Jetta GLX Ignition Switch Fix
CHEVROLET
BRITTANY
- MEMBER
- 1 POST
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The ignition switch is located at the bottom of the ignition key cylinder body. To remove the ignition switch, first remove the ignition lock cylinder.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Center the steering wheel.
Remove the air bag.
Remove the steering column switches.
If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, detach the shift lock cable from the lock cylinder housing.
Remove the adapter sleeve from the steering column.
Remove the spring and horn contact ring from the steering column assembly.
Detach the sheer bolt.
Insert the ignition key and unlock the cylinder, then detach the wiring connectors.
Once all wiring has been detached, slide the housing off the steering column.
Mark and drill the lock cylinder as shown and described in the above procedure.
Compress the stop spring and pull the lock cylinder out of the steering column housing.
Put the new lock cylinder into the steering lock housing.
Insert the key into the lock cylinder.
While you gently turn the key, insert the lock cylinder fully into the housing.
The rest of the installation procedure is the reverse of removal.
NOTE
Always use a new shear pin when installing the lock cylinder.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Center the steering wheel.
Remove the air bag.
Remove the steering column switches.
If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, detach the shift lock cable from the lock cylinder housing.
Remove the adapter sleeve from the steering column.
Remove the spring and horn contact ring from the steering column assembly.
Detach the sheer bolt.
Insert the ignition key and unlock the cylinder, then detach the wiring connectors.
Once all wiring has been detached, slide the housing off the steering column.
Mark and drill the lock cylinder as shown and described in the above procedure.
Compress the stop spring and pull the lock cylinder out of the steering column housing.
Put the new lock cylinder into the steering lock housing.
Insert the key into the lock cylinder.
While you gently turn the key, insert the lock cylinder fully into the housing.
The rest of the installation procedure is the reverse of removal.
NOTE
Always use a new shear pin when installing the lock cylinder.
Dec 7, 2010 at 10:35 PM
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Suggested Repair
Replace the ignition switch by first removing the ignition lock cylinder. Disconnect the negative battery cable, center the steering wheel, remove the airbag and steering column switches, detach the automatic-transmission shift lock cable if equipped, and remove the adapter sleeve, spring, and horn contact ring. Detach the shear bolt, unlock the cylinder with the key, disconnect the wiring, and slide the housing off the column. Mark and drill the lock cylinder as specified in the service procedure, compress the stop spring, and pull the cylinder out. Install the new lock cylinder with the key inserted while gently turning it, reassemble in reverse order, and always use a new shear pin.
Conversation Summary
The owner of a 1998 VW Jetta GLX asked how to change the ignition switch. An expert explained that the switch is at the bottom of the ignition key cylinder and requires lock-cylinder removal, then outlined battery disconnection, airbag and column-switch removal, related steering-column disassembly, lock-cylinder removal and installation, and reverse reassembly using a new shear pin.