Ignition barrel starter switch issues

[lcfmonkey]

Trying to cure an intermittent starting issue. Having eliminated the starter motor, the hot start relay and ignition wiring as not the problem, I've now got the steering wheel off with the intention of changing the starter switch. However, now I've got it out i recognise it as a relatively new item so it looks like it's been replaced recently. I was banking on this being the fix that would sort it for good but now I'm running out of ideas.
Is it possible that the key is worn and not activating the switch? (The ignition turns on perfectly and I can short the starter motor with wire to get the engine going) or is it possible that the ignition barrel is faulty and needs replacing?

Cheers
Monkey

 

[sparkywig]

It's in two parts, the key barrel and the ignition switch.
Can you not test to see if you're getting 12V when you turn the key?
Battery feed via light switch to terminal 30 (red), 12V to starter from terminal 50 (larger of the two red cables), ignition feed to fusebox from terminal 15 (black).

 

[davidoft]

What issue are you having?

 

[67panel]

On my 3rd pattern ign switch, the starter part fails. Have now wired it so there is "zero" load on switch as everything works via relays.

 

[lcfmonkey]

What issue are you having?

I can turn the key to turn on ignition but turning further to start gives me nothing. I had success previously whacking the ignition housing but even a good whack isn't doing anything now.

 

[67panel]

Same fault I had switch falling apart, the alloy housing is swaged into 3 places on the rear board and the spring pressure that holds the moving contact causes the swage to fail. Redid the swages on mine and touch wood it still works.

 

[davidoft]

I can turn the key to turn on ignition but turning further to start gives me nothing. I had success previously whacking the ignition housing but even a good whack isn't doing anything now.

If you pull the electrical part out and turn it with a screwdriver does it work normally?

 

[fallingoffalot]

Had a fairly new one fail on me. It was just as I got it in 2019 and the PO replaced it for me. Symptoms were that it would turn no problem, but only started every few attempts or not at all.

 

[K@rlos]

On my 3rd pattern ign switch, the starter part fails. Have now wired it so there is "zero" load on switch as everything works via relays.

Me too, thr repros are shockingly shit.

Now going for a generic ignition switch and a button

 

[kleinbusRonnie]

Oh yes i've had my bus for 11-12 years and always had this issue. I simply added a door bell, which starts the engine, when ignition is on. It's a kind of anti theft device

 

[matty74]

@kleinbusRonnie does it go “ding dong” when the bus starts up

 

[ozziedog]

Ozziedog,,,,,,,,,,,Dinnnng Donnnng

 

[YellowBay69]

You beat me to it !!!

 

[thejinx]

I can turn the key to turn on ignition but turning further to start gives me nothing. I had success previously whacking the ignition housing but even a good whack isn't doing anything now.

I’ve listed my problem else where but the statement above “whacking the ignition” got me thinking so went out to the van gave the barrel a whack and the van turned over. Still didn’t start though. Now I can’t get the key in. It seems something has slipped inside. I can see something inside. Now for the 3rd time I’ve got to try and get the barrel out. Plus ive ordered yet another switch and now another barrel. Push button start here I come

 

[chad]

I’ve listed my problem else where but the statement above “whacking the ignition” got me thinking so went out to the van gave the barrel a whack and the van turned over. Still didn’t start though. Now I can’t get the key in. It seems something has slipped inside. I can see something inside. Now for the 3rd time I’ve got to try and get the barrel out. Plus ive ordered yet another switch and now another barrel. Push button start here I come

Quite a few years ago I bought a couple of spare genuine VW ignition switches direct from their warehouse(?) in Germany. This was after I'd bought one and fitted it. As it's still going well after 10+ years I might have been a bit pessimistic. Anyway, if you're still having issues after fitting the new one I can look through my stash if you want.

 

[thejinx]

Chad, will let you know. I’ve got to spend hours getting the barrel out today.

 

[chad]

I'm really sorry but I've only 1 NOS one. I must have sold the other years ago when I was having a clearout, and given the difficulty of getting them I need to keep it. I do have a second hand genuine VW one which might be the cause of my confusion. It seems to move a smoothly as the NOS one if that means anything.

Once again sorry, I'll obviously check in future before opening my big mouth.

 

[W1K1]

i had a brand new repop switch not work out of the box, no connection on terminal 50. I spent 2 days looking for a bad connection in my Subaru swap, only to find the switch was the problem