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Non starter and fuse issues

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Hi guys. First of all what a great weekend it was at Stratford and a big thanks to those that gave me a push when I was in need of a bump.
The problem is that it seems to randomly fail to start and will only fire up with a bump start.
Had a look today and bridged the starter and it turned over ok.
Was told it could be the ignition switch so if any suggestions then please let me know.
Also my fuse #18 keeps blowing which I think is the horn and handbrake when I put the ignition on?


1990 Golf GTI cabrio 1.8i.  DX Engine

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Automatic or manual transmission.

I would think that you need to replace your ignitions switch first….

It could also be that your ground from the Steering gearbox to Frame is missing, or that you have a bad horn relay, or a horn is shorted…..


What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?

They all start with GOOD Grounds.

Where are my DIY Links?

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Hi Briano. The cars a manual. Have read a few things on changing the ignition switch and it seems a bit of a mission. Is there a how to guide out there?
Also forgot to mention I have swapped the horns off my Audi A3 onto the Golf which fitted nicely but I'm guessing this may be the cause and they aren't compatible.

1990 Golf GTI cabrio 1.8i.  DX Engine

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pull the ignition switch plug off, jump the red to the red/black. if it cranks its the switch, if not its wiring

Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.



My wiring diagrams and other documents have moved here:

VAG Documents & Downloads

You'll need to sign into google/gmail for the link to work! (its free!)

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Well it all depends on which year yours is as to the difficulty of replacement.

90-ish Cabriolets, you have to remove or lower the knee-bar to get to the screws that hold the covers over the steering shaft, whereas the 89-or-older you can get to the screws without having to drop the knee-bar.
Remove the covers.

You will need to remove the steering wheel, just mark the wheel in relation to the shaft, remove the nut but leave it on for about 3 threads before you Yank the wheel off the splines (reduces head injury). after wheel is loose from the splines,  remove the worn wires then remove it. (90-ish with air bag, you will need to disconnect the battery, and carefully remove the airbag..

Once the airbag is removed set it aside.

Ok

Remove the 3 screws that hold the turns on the shaft and carefully lift them off the shaft.

(Air bags have to have the clock spring removed.)

Take care of the Turns as the Horn wiper arm is there as well.

Take a photo of the spring and clip, then remove the clip spring and possible a spacer.  Some versions you have to remove the Steering shaft spline, some you don't you would need a 2 or 3 finger narrow bite pulley remover.

Now that you can see the upper bearing seat, you remove the 5 or 6mm allen and slightly bend it apart.

This will disengage from the shaft.  This housing/bearing/ignition switch will have a single Phillips screw holding the switch to the housing.

Going back I would suggest 2 things, a lever, and a fulcrum this you place in the lower u-joint on the shaft and pry up and hold with your foot.  This will support the shaft as you re-place everything and keep the lower bearing in the shaft. (if it has slipped out, then you need to push it back in place.).

Replace the upper bearing housing.
Replace the spring and clip and spacer in proper order.
Replace the wiper and turn stalks.
Replace the Clock spring on air bag units. (you will  out of the shaft move the clock spring fully one way or the other till it stops. The count the turns to the stop in the opposite direction.  Now return it to half the amount of turns.)
Replace the wheel.
Replace the nut.
Replace the horn button wire
Replace the horn covers or airbag.

The kneebar has 2 bolts and 2 nuts 13mm each side, remove the bolts and loosen the nuts to lower the bar to access the screws.



Single Phillips screw holding he switch in place.


I do believe that www.cabby-info has a Steering wheel removal pdf…. But it takes me longer to type this up that it does to change out the switch.

http://www.cabby-info.com/Files/IgnitionSwitch.pdf



What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?

They all start with GOOD Grounds.

Where are my DIY Links?

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Thanks for the help guys. According to cabby info with mine being a 1990 model without the airbag it seems the most straight forward one to do (famous last words)
Any way ordered one from VW Heritage so will let you know how we go.
Thanks again chaps.

1990 Golf GTI cabrio 1.8i.  DX Engine

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try my test first, that'll tell you if you need to or not. or alternatively, plug the new switch into your loom and turn it with a screwdriver :)

Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.



My wiring diagrams and other documents have moved here:

VAG Documents & Downloads

You'll need to sign into google/gmail for the link to work! (its free!)

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Will do buddy. Hoping this will sort it. Its no fun pushing it around to get it started.,

1990 Golf GTI cabrio 1.8i.  DX Engine
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