Hot Ignition Switch!

Hi,

I've noticed that the back of my ignition switch gets very hot (too hot to touch), any ideas what might be causing this? It seems to be worse when I have more accessories on, e.g. Full Beam.

Cheers,

Ross

When electrical connections get extra hot, there is either a bad connection, or too much current (too many amps) going through it.

There shouldn't be too much current in the ignition switch, unless someone has wired something extra into this circuit. There should only be the engine-ignition circuit - most other circuits like lights, heater, heated rear window, etc are/should be on the X (relief) circuit.

If everything is wired as per VWs intentions, then the switch is dirty inside, and needs disassembly and cleaning. It may also be broken (springs which hold contacts together may be broken) - get a fresh one if required*.

Also check that the connectors in the the multi-plug that goes onto the back of the switch are gripping their respective blades, as this may also be a source of overheating.

*Note that there are a few different makes of switch in Mk1s, and some switches may not fit in other makes of steering lock mechanism (assuming that you want to keep the original lock mech to keep your key the same - although you can remove the key-barrel from the steering lock mech - see Haynes)