I'm in the process of changing the ignistion switch. The start contact are burnd and do not ignite the starter motor. I have all the parts removed but the key assembly does not slide out. I have the keys in there and turned to release the wheel lock but I can not get it out. It seems that there is something that is holding it in place. It moves about a 1/32 in, and stops. Could the wheel lock not be fully disengaging? I put the steering wheel back on and it turns so it puzzles me on what is stopiong it.

Anyone have some advice on hwo to safely get the key assembly out so I can replace ths electical switch part?

please ignore my bad typing!

There should be a rule that states you must post what year car you are working on. The switch comes out the back side if I remember correctly. That means you need to take the whole column out of the car and remove the steering shaft from the center of the "housing" I have a extra housing off a 70 if I could find it I would double check. Gordon

No Gordon. It comes out the front.

Ignition Switch

Pelican article...

Paul

70-71 and 75+ are different from the article. Hopefully someone who knows those will chime in. I have the feeling that the OP has a 75+ car; I thought I remembered ejm saying something about drilling the housing? I'm not sure...

--DD

I drilled out the cylinder of my '70 column. It was a foreign VW part for which I had no key.

On this '70, the cylinder and wheel lock mechanism pulled out the front leaving the switch behind. The wires are a part of the early switch and connect to the harness in the oblivion under the dash.

On later models, the cylinder and wheel lock mechanism also pull out the front and the switch comes with it after you disconnect the wires from the rear of the switch itself. The switch is a replaceable white plastic dohicky with several wiring harness connector tabs on the back. This is how my '72 was.


BTW, I can now turn the switch on my '70 with a screwdriver. I need a cylinder and key if anybody has a spare...? I hate to get another VW part if the keys are a different style and don't match the door.

'75 - '76 Electrical Portion Replacement

I did follow this article in my attempt to get it out. I am stuck at figure 11. No mater what jiggling I do the assembly is stuck. I can get it out about onl a 1/32 of an inch. I can see that the steering lock does retract.

We had a heck of a time getting that out. Ended up taking whole housing off steering column.

[quote name='hndyhrr' date='Jun 15 2014, 09:08 AM' post='2050436']
We had a heck of a time getting that out. Ended up taking whole housing off steering column

i have a 1970

Post pictures of where you are at. Maybe you've missed something we can spot in the picture?

And what year is it?

as mentioned before pumpkin is a 70, here is a pic. tumbler assy is out and this is top of switch. notice the loop (lack of better description) well there is a screw that goes from tumbler assy into that (holds it all together) you have to pull on whole assy to get it far enough out to see screw. we had to unhook the electric and pull it all the way out of car what a pita. hope pic helps


Click to view attachment

I had to pry the whole assemb;y off. If fit rather tight but that did it the key assembly now is out.

And for other questions it is a 73.

Thanks everyone!

I am about to dive into my electrical starter switch, 1971. I will let you know how it goes.