Four problems related to ignition switch have been reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Golf. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Headlights and ac intermittently went off completely and parking brake light didn't go away on dashboard; mechanic determined a faulty ignition switch was the cause.
Ignition switch failure causes switched devices to loose power while driving. The devices I have personally identified that loose power are: headlights, drl, abs, windshield wipers, interior fan, fog lights. With the ignition switch in the on position, it is posible to rotate it slightly to the left and turn the above mentioned devices off while the car continues to run. This can easily happen (and does happen) while driving. Searching your database of other complaints of this and other similar models which probably use the same ignition switch reveals 15 switch failures (865957, 897162, 876280, 899086, 608861, 609016, 758101, 888070, 8014837, 733016, 607392, 8021547, 869601, 750653, 743422) and 5 possible switch failures (733430, 9002207, 861456, 754763, 750545). . Read more...
Headlights go out intermittently while driving. Mechanic determined a faulty ignition switch was the cause.
Sometimes when turning on air conditioner it does not come on, and sometimes windshield wipers do not work. Took to dealer, and they said it was binding. Lock cylinder needed to be replaced.
| Ignition Switch problems | |
| Wiring problems |