VW Ignition Switch Stuck - What Should You Do?

You might run into a situation where your Volkswagen ignition switch is stuck. Perhaps the key won't turn at all. Or maybe you can't get the key out of the ignition. This can be a very inconvenient problem, especially if the ignition ends up stuck in the "on" position.

A stuck ignition switch is a common problem with some Volkswagen cars, particularly Volkswagen Jetta and Golf. There are some tips that can help you turn off your car if the ignition is stuck with the engine on, as well as some fixes to solve the stuck ignition problem.

What Causes a Stuck Ignition Switch?

A stuck ignition switch is caused by a problem in the ignition mechanism. There are three major parts of the ignition mechanism that can break down and cause the key to get stuck.

• Damaged Key

If the key is damaged or bent, this could cause difficulty in turning or retrieving it from the lock. The key can also wear down from the friction of using it to open the car doors and turn the ignition.

• Faulty Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is the part of your car that you directly insert the key into. It works like a typical lock and uses tumblers to lock and unlock the ignition. These tumblers wear down over time with the friction of the key turning them. After years of use, the tumblers in the cylinder might become damaged. When this happens, the key won't be able to turn the ignition.

Certain Volkswagen models are known for having poor ignition cylinder design, which accelerates the wear on both the key and ignition cylinder.

• Broken Ignition Lock Housing

The ignition lock housing is the part that holds the ignition cylinder and connects it to the ignition switch. Damage to the housing can cause the cylinder to be unable to turn the ignition switch.

The steering lock connects to the ignition through the ignition lock housing. This lock can become damaged, and get stuck in the locked position, making it very difficult or impossible to turn the key.

How Do You Remove a Stuck Key

In some cases, you may be able to remove the key with a little effort. Before you attempt to remove the cylinder or the ignition lock housing to examine them, there are some things you can try.

• Turning the key while pushing it in and out. This might loosen up the blockage in the ignition mechanism and allow the key to turn.
• Shifting the gear from park to drive, then back to park. Your Volkswagen won't allow you to turn the ignition when the car isn't in park or neutral. If the vehicle is already in park, you can shift the gear from park to drive, and then back to park.
• Turning the steering wheel while attempting to turn the key. In some Volkswagens, the steering wheel lock is linked to the ignition cylinder. Sometimes the steering wheel lock gets stuck, which can prevent the ignition from turning. You can try to fix this by turning the steering wheel from side to side while attempting to turn the key.

If none of these methods work, then there is probably a problem with the ignition mechanism that needs to be fixed.

How Do You Fix a Stuck Ignition Switch?

The process of repairing your ignition switch will depend on the cause of the problem. Due to the poor design of the ignition cylinder in many Volkswagen cars, particularly between the years 2009-2013, the key and ignition cylinder are subject to wearing down quickly. This makes them the most important part to examine for any problems with a stuck ignition switch.

Replace the Key

You can determine if the key is the cause of the problem by visually inspecting your key. Examine it for warping, bending, and chipped teeth. If your key is damaged or bent, then it is probably time to get a new one. You can try to fix the key or bend it back into shape, but if the teeth have been damaged, then you run the risk of damaging the ignition cylinder every time you insert the key.

You can have the key duplicated by visiting a local automotive locksmith.

Depending on the cause of the damage to your key, you might want to replace the ignition cylinder as well. This is because some Volkswagen vehicles use poorly designed ignition cylinders. The tumblers in these cylinders get damaged easily, while also damaging the key. Finding signs of damage on your key in a Volkswagen vehicle is a sign that your ignition cylinder might be damaged as well.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

If your ignition cylinder is damaged, you have two options. You can have a locksmith repair the cylinder for you, or you can have the cylinder replaced.

Replacing the ignition cylinder means that you will need a new key. As a result, it is best to replace the car locks at the same time as the ignition cylinder. This way, you will still only need a single key for your car.

Removing a car's ignition switch can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and some careful planning, it can be done relatively easily.

• Remove the panels surrounding the ignition. This process differs depending on your car, so may need to consult the owner's manual.
• Turn the ignition on and put the car in accessory mode.
• Look for the small metal notch on the outer edge of the ignition cylinder. Insert a pick or a thin rod to press down inside it. This will free the mechanism that holds the cylinder in place.
• Using the key and the rod, gently wiggle the ignition cylinder out of the steering column, being careful not to damage any surrounding components.
• Carefully disconnect the power connector from the ignition cylinder.
• Once the ignition cylinder is out, you can now replace it.

Replace the Ignition Lock Housing

If the ignition lock assembly is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced. Removing the housing in a Volkswagen is a complicated process that involves removing the steering wheel, the steering wheel airbag, and the steering wheel column covers. If you are not comfortable disassembling part of the dashboard, it is best left to an automotive professional.

Once the ignition lock housing has been removed, you can find out if the housing can be repaired, or if it will need to be replaced.

How to Turn Off the Car When the Ignition is Stuck

One of the most pressing problems of a stuck ignition switch is when the car is stuck with the engine on. The need to find a quick fix is important because you don't want your fuel and battery to run down while you're searching for a solution to the problem. There are two methods you can employ to turn off the engine.

• Open your car's fuse box and remove the gas pump fuse. The location of the fuse box and the fuse will differ depending on the model of your Volkswagen, but it should be located to the left of the steering wheel, between the dashboard and the driver's door. Once you have removed the gas pump fuse, fuel will no longer get to the engine, causing it to shut itself off. This is the simpler method of turning the engine off.
• Block the air intake. If you are familiar with your car's engine, then you can locate and remove the air intake hose. Block the intake with your hand and hold it there. The engine will stall from a lack of air and will eventually turn off.

How to Prevent a Stuck Ignition Switch

If your ignition switch is still in good working order, there are some steps that you can take to ensure that it stays that way for a long time. This is especially important to take note of if you have a Volkswagen that's prone to developing this problem.

Make sure that you keep the ignition cylinder clean. Dirt and contaminants can build up inside the system and jam it. Solid debris like plastic and metal can damage the internal mechanisms when moved by the key. Make sure the key is free from pocket lint and dirt before you insert it.

Make sure to lubricate the ignition cylinder occasionally as well. Applying some lubricant like WD-40 to the ignition cylinder will keep the tumblers from developing friction and wearing down. It also helps keep the ignition cylinder clean and prevents rust from building up inside. 

Conclusion

A stuck ignition switch is a common problem with Volkswagen vehicles, and it is usually caused by a substandard ignition cylinder design. This problem is especially frustrating if your car is stuck with the engine on. You can turn off the engine by blocking the air intake or removing the fuel pump fuse.

A stuck ignition switch is caused by damage to the car key or ignition cylinder. The problem is easily solved by replacing your car key or ignition cylinder, depending on which one is faulty. You can also prevent this issue from coming up again by keeping the ignition cylinder clean and well-oiled.