Ignition Lock Cylinder or Switch or Key

[mattross]

I am having an ignition problem at the moment. Basically when i put the key in i have to jiggle it around and pull it hard up and down to get the car to start. I have had 2 VW dealers tell me two different causes
1 said it was the ignition Switch
1 said it was the ignition lock cylinder
another non VW mechanic said it was my key.
I also have the Airbag light on permanently and tried the battery disconnect method to reset it and it didnt work

Has anyone had this problem? To get all 3 repaired is very expensive and will take a fair bit of time awaiting parts. I dont think its the lock cylinder it seems to be OK, and i dont have any other electrical problems based around ignition.....

[rayray086]

Swap out the ignition switch first, most likely that's the problem. Mine did the same before. Cheap replacement, and fairly easy to DIY if you're inclined to (http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3445064).

You can have someone with VAGCOM reset the airbag light for you. I personally disconnected the plug

[mattross]

Thanks Rayray, i think i will have a go at the ignition switch.... they are relatively cheap and dont seem like to hard to swap out when compared to the lock cylinder.

Airbaglight - yes i disconnected the 4 pin plug in th dash to switch it off....... if this light is on, does that mean the airbag will not go off in a crash????, and / or if the indicator light is disconnected will that also effect it due to a back voltage

[mattross]

Changed the Ignition Switch = Problem Solved........