914-4 Ignition Switch Replacement -How to?, anybody have pics and/or proceedures? Options

[914rrr]

I have a suspect ignition switch in my teener. Haynes manual exploded view is so small it's worthless. Clymer only has proceedure for 914-6. Anybody have a good resolution exploded view of the steering column components and / or a step by step? Is the key/mechanical portion still available? I know the electrical switch still is. Does having AC complicate things?

[Thack]

I should have took pics and wrote down the disassembly process when I did mine. I think my wiper switch assy. is faulty. I may go in there and write you a procedural article.

[914rrr]

I should have took pics and wrote down the disassembly process when I did mine. I think my wiper switch assy. is faulty. I may go in there and write you a procedural article.

Thanks Thack and all! I (think) I fixed it! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/boldblue.gif)

I kinda sorta remembered about pushing in the retainer spring to release the switch mechanism. After I removed it, I took the switch mechanism to the FLAP to compare it to a new (aftermarket) VW key switch. Kinda sorta similar but not similar enough for me to try swap tumblers, etc. Even the mechanism in the new VW switch was somewhat sloppy.

The only way I was able to get the starter to turn over with the assembly put together was to wiggle/push on the electrical portion of the switch. What this told me was there was too much slop in the mechanical portion to properly turn the switch in the electrical portion.

I studied the tumbler/switch assembly to see where it was worn. The ignition key to tumbler fit is sloppy but there wasn't much I could do with that. I also noticed that the the keyed portion that sticks into the electrical switch was shiny and worn down on the sides. So what I did was wrap some thin mylar style duct tape around the end of the key. I also put a couple small pieces of the same mylar around the switch/tumbler assembly as there was some play between it and the housing. I also put a couple of pieces of thin electrical tape around the electrical switch portion to tighten it up as well. I put the switch pieces all back together and EUREKA...it now works every time! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mueba.gif) If I take it apart again, I will be sure to take some pics.

This should tide me over until I can find a nice used one or a NOS one. I am checking with GPR as they have the switch with key listed on their website. I prefer the old flush style vs the newer and/or after market ones that are more domed.


Rob