Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
HomeAnnouncements
Discussion Groups
By Brand
BMWChevroletDodgeFordGMHondaLexusMercedes-BenzNissanPeugeotToyotaVolkswagenOther Brands
By Topic
4x4 CarsRVsDrivingMaintenance & RepairCar AudioCollectible Cars
Country Specific
Australian ForumsUK Forums
ArticlesAuto InsuranceBuyingCars & TechnologyMaintenanceMiscellaneousSafety
DMV Resources
Related Topics
MotorcyclesBoatsMore Topics ...

Car Forum / Volkswagen / Water Cooled Volkswagen Cars / January 2007

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

intermittant starting in 96 cabrio?

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
Bill Kearney - 09 Sep 2006 17:01 GMT
How is the ignition setup on a cabrio?  Every so often turning the key will
not start it.  It sometimes takes turning the wheel a bit or pressing way
down on the clutch.  At which point it seems like something 'flexes' enough
and it starts.  Before I go pulling apart the steering column, what things
should I be looking at?  This is a 2.0L 1996 Cabrio with manual
transmission.

Thanks,
-Bill Kearney
dave AKA vwdoc1 - 10 Sep 2006 04:36 GMT
Do you mean the engine or starter does not crank over?  IOWs you turn the
ign switch over to the crank position, no sound from or nothing happens with
the engine?

> How is the ignition setup on a cabrio?  Every so often turning the key
> will
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> Thanks,
> -Bill Kearney
Bill Kearney - 12 Sep 2006 14:23 GMT
The starter doesn't get cranked.  It's apparent something in the ignition
circuit isn't getting a completed connection.  When the starter does crank
the engine fires properly.  The problem is getting the turning of the key to
properly complete the circuit.  The key turns properly and the lock cylinder
is moving smoothly.  In having looked at some other cars over the years I've
noticed various methods for converting the rotary motion of a key turning
into an action for closing the starting circuit.  Some cars have used
levers, gears, arms and assorted means to 'move something'.

So my question is, before I go ripping apart the steering column, how does
the Cabrio accomplish this?  Am I looking for something "down the column"
that's activated by an arm?  Or is the whole business accomplished up at the
lock cylinder itself?

-Bill Kearney

> Do you mean the engine or starter does not crank over?  IOWs you turn the
> ign switch over to the crank position, no sound from or nothing happens with
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> > should I be looking at?  This is a 2.0L 1996 Cabrio with manual
> > transmission.
Mark Randol - 13 Sep 2006 14:11 GMT
> The starter doesn't get cranked.  It's apparent something in the ignition
> circuit isn't getting a completed connection.  When the starter does crank
> the engine fires properly.  The problem is getting the turning of the key to
> properly complete the circuit.  

Just pull the shells off the column behind the steering wheel.  IIRC
it's two screws under neath.  Had the dealer replace the ignition switch
not long ago with identical symptoms.  Wasn't really bad $$ wise, so it
can't be that difficult to do.  Worst case is you might have to drop the
knee panel of the dash, and that's about 4 more screws.  

If you're gonna guess, the switch is a very good one.  But if you want
to verify it with a meter or something, go get a service manual for the
schematics, etc.  The Bentley is the one most recommended here, but any
are better than none.

Mark
'95 Jetta GLS
Bill Kearney - 07 Jan 2007 02:40 GMT
It was the switch.  There are two ways to replace it.  One is to pull the
steering wheel, airbag and the lock bracket.  The other is to pull the whole
column.  Do the latter.  Loosen the nut at the bottom of the column and the
single screw up under the lock bracket.  Then disconnect all the wires and
the whole thing will pull right out.  There's JUST BARELY enough room to get
a philips head screwdriver in between the column and the back of the lock
cylinder.  Remove that screw and the whole electric switch assembly will
come out.  Reverse the process and you're done!

Now it starts perfectly.

Next up, gear shift that fight really hard getting into first...
dave AKA vwdoc1 - 07 Jan 2007 05:55 GMT
congrats to you
I have not tried that method of replacing the ign switch.  hmmmm maybe next
time.

thanks for the update & repair procedure info

later,
dave
(One out of many daves)

> It was the switch.  There are two ways to replace it.  One is to pull the
> steering wheel, airbag and the lock bracket.  The other is to pull the
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Next up, gear shift that fight really hard getting into first...
 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2009 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.