What's it take to replace the ignition switch in a 1996 Cabrio?

How much of the panel and/or wheel do I need to remove? Can it be done
without pulling the steering wheel? If not, what's the advised method for
removing it?

The wife's cabrio has a tendency to not start and wiggling/pulling the key
tends to make it work.

Thanks,
-Bill Kearney

Bill,
I did this on my daughter's 97 Cabrio earlier this year. I did it by
removing a single bolt at the base of the steering column and pulling the
entire column/wheel as an assembly. There is another bolt that you need to
remove under the plastic cowling just under the wheel. This bolt is a shear
bolt that will have a round head. You will need to turn it with pliers or
visegrips. It won't be very tight and should come out easily. You will
have the entire assembly out in about 5 minutes. After getting it out there
is one small screw that holds the ignition switch in place.
NOW FOR THE "FUN" PART"... After changing the switch (about a $20 part if I
remember correctly), you put the wheel/column assembly back in place which
is VERY easy but....... you have to reinstall the single bolt at the base of
the column. This is easier said then done. I am 6'5" and don't fit under
the dash so that may have added to my struggle. There is a universal joint
at the base of the column and a spring (and a washer??) that you have to
hold in place while putting downward pressure on the column to compress the
spring while installing the bolt. I took me a several tries to get the bolt
in. You may need someone else to push on the wheel/column while you install
the bolt. I had to use only one hand to hold everything in place and put
the bolt in but maybe if you put the top down and have your feet sticking up
and your head/arms under the dash you may be able to use two hand which
should make it much better.
As bad as I made this sound, I'd do it this way again. Everything comes out
really quick, the switch is easy to replace, and you save a bundle doing it
yourself. Just a bit of work to get the base of the column reattached.
Check out http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2840142 for more
information.
Hope this helps. (Sorry for the LONG explanation)
Ron


"Bill Kearney" <wkearney99 (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote