1997 Volkswagen Jetta ignitions trouble

MARKSHENEL

MEMBER
1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

Electrical problem
1997 Volkswagen Jetta Two Wheel Drive Automatic 120000 miles

Hello. My son's Jetta runs great but the trouble is when he starts the engine and drives away. As he is driving his headl light, blower fan, radio. And other electronic items turn off. He can get them on by pressing and or turning the key and holding it in a certain postion. By turning/pressing the key, while driving he is able to keep all electrical items on. I believe I have to replace the key tumbler or switch?
Thanks Markshenel

3 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Hello
Thanks for the donation.

Yes, it does sound like you will need to replace the ignition switch. Removal of the ignition switch requires removing the air bag, which should only be done by a professional. I suggest having a reputable shop or your local dealer do this operation for you.

Hope this helps.
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Saturday, January 10th, 2009 AT 6:31 PM

MARKSHENEL

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Sorry but the car is a Passat not a jetta. Does that stlll require the airbag removal? And you state."Sounds like"? Is that a certainty or guesstimation?
Mark

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Saturday, January 10th, 2009 AT 11:37 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Sorry, wrong choice of words there. Obviously I can not see, hear, feel, or smell anything on your vehicle over the internet, so I have to diagnose it with the words you have gave me. I am not "guessing" at it, I am giving you my diagnosis. I hope this clears things up a little bit there.

Unfortunately, you still have to remove the steering wheel in the Passat. This requires the disabling of the air bag system. This can be very dangerous and should only be handled by professionals who are trained to do this.

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Saturday, January 10th, 2009 AT 11:48 PM