How to change 1999 VW cabrio ignition lock cylinder. How do I get the cylinder out of the aluminum housing?

Hi, there are a few possible faults that i can think of: the first could be that the battery may be low and does not crank the motor. The second could be that the starter needs attention.(you do not say whether any ignition lights come on) When the key is turned and the motor does not crank, the ignition,battery or the starter could be faulty. I would suggest you start with the battery then test the starter, if the battery is good and the starter is okay then check the ignition. All the best.

IGNITION KEY WILL NOT RELEASE

It can be faulty ignition lock cylinder. I suggest to wiggle the steering wheel a bit and see if the key gets released out. If that is not helping then first turn steering wheel to right and try removing the key, or next turn steering wheel to left and see if you can remove the key.

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Spray wd-40 in the ignition key hole and let it remain there for few minutes, after that once again try to remove the key and see if that helps.

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But if that is not helping then ignition lock cylinder has to be removed out and key has to be manually removed.

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For more troubleshooting on these types of issues, I suggest you to refer the help links mentioned below. Its the accurate solutions mentioned in it. That will help you to narrow the problem: -----

Click the link below: ------

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1999 Toyota Camry: Key Will Not Come Out Of Ignition?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/1999-toyota-camry-key-will-not-come-out.html

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2001 Toyota Tacoma: Ignition Locked?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/2001-toyota-tacoma-ignition-locked.html

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Ignition Switch Will Not Turn Off?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/ignition-switch-will-not-turn-off.html

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Car will not turn the ignition to start?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-will-not-turn-ignition-to-start.html

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Ignition Key OFF but engine still running?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/ignition-key-off-but-engine-still.html

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Chevrolet Malibu: Key Stuck in ON position?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/chevrolet-malibukey-stuck-in-on.html

2012 Dodge Ram: Ignition Key will not release?

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/2012-dodge-ram-ignition-key-will-not.html

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Ignition locked up on Mercury Villager?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/01/ignition-locked-up-on-mercury-villager.html

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Key won't turn in the ignition on Toyota land cruiser?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/key-wont-turn-in-ignition-on-toyota.html

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How to remove ignition switch on VW Car models?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-remove-ignition-switch-on-vw-car.html

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How to Replace Ignition Switch on Chevrolet Caprice Classic?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-replace-ignition-switch-on.html

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1995 Ford Taurus: Ignition switch not turning OFF?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/06/1995-ford-taurus-ignition-switch-not.html

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Ignition Problem Troubleshooting

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/ignition-problem-troubleshooting.html

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These will help.

Thanks.

There was only one distributor number used by VW for all 1999 Cabrios (US market), all references below are for US models only. (for Canadian market there were some different ones). The VW part number is 037 905 205 T, these were made by Bosch. Bosch did possibly supply a some different numbers to VW (Bosch number 0 235 520 066 replaced by 0 235 520 065) but both had the same VW part number and used the same repair parts. There is no serial number for the distributors, just part numbers. The original distributor will have the VW number as well as one of the Bosch part numbers stamped into the body of the distributor. The distributors rarely had to be replaced, as most parts to repair them are available. The ignition hall unit (sensor) is replaceable in the 037 905 205 T distributor. I am a independent parts distributor for VW and Audi vehicles and also a Bosch warehouse distributor. I have the hall unit in stock for this distributor, mail order price is $121.70 + shipping (and + sales tax if shipped within Alabama). I can also install the hall unit in your distributor (if needed) if you send me your original distributor. To replace the hall unit the distributor has to be disassembled and if done improperly the distributor can be made unusable. Call me or Email me if you need more information. 1888VWPARTS [email protected]

I'm almost positive that 1999 is the first year that VW changed to a procedure that involves special tools that require you to go back to the dealer to have this done. A quick call would confirm it. Hope this helps.

Sounds like the ignition switch has gone kaput. The ignition switch come in two pieces, an electrical switch and a mechanical switch.

The switch electrical portion can be replaced separatly from the mechanical portion (tumbler that the key engages). It is not a real difficult repair but requires some mechanical knowlege of how the column is assembled.

This can be verified with electrical test equipment prior to buying a new electrical switch.

REMOVE IGNITION SWITCH TORX HEAD MOUNTING SCREWS DEPRESS THE IGNITION SWITCH RETAINING TABS THEN DETACH THE SWITCH FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. BEFORE INSTALLING THE IGNITION SWITCH MAKE SURE THAT THE KEY IS IN THE ON POSITION AND THE ACTUATOR SHAFT IN THE KEY LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING IS IN THE ON POSITION. ALSO MAKE SURE SQUARE RECEPTACLE IN THE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE ON POSITION.THEN INSTALL THE IGNITION SWITCH. MAKE SURE THAT THE RETAINING TABS SNAP IN TO PLACE. TO REMOVE KEYLOCK CYLINDER.PUT THE KEY LOCK CYLINDER IN THE ON POSITION, DEPRESS THE KEY LOCK CYLINDER

Purchase the door lock cylinder set at any VW dealer

Could be the ignition switch. They often go bad. It's mounted in the lock cylinder housing mounted to the column.

PATH: Chassis Electrical > Instruments & Switches > Ignition Switch > Removal & Installation Removal & Installation

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Disable the airbag system, as outlined in the Chassis Electrical Section.
   
3. Remove the hush and knee bolster.
   
4. Remove the steering column trim covers.
   
5. With the key installed, turn the key to the RUN position.
   
6. Install a hex wrench into the hole on top of the lock cylinder housing. Push down on the hex wrench to release the tab on the lock cylinder inside the lock cylinder housing.
   

Push down on the hex wrench to release the tab on the lock cylinder inside the lock cylinder housing

1. Slide the lock cylinder out of the lock cylinder housing.
   
2. Disconnect the passlock and key buzzer from the lock cylinder housing.
   
3. Insert into the lock cylinder housing
   

Release the tabs on the ignition switch using ignition switch connector release tool J 42759

1. Pull the ignition switch out of the lock cylinder housing.
   
2. Disconnect the connector from the ignition switch.
   

To install:

1. Verify the alignment of the gear in the ignition switch. If gear is not in position shown, turn gear in ignition switch until you reach the correct position.
   
2. Use a screwdriver to rotate the lock cylinder housing gear counterclockwise until it hits a stop. In order to reach a stop while rotating the lock cylinder housing gear you MUST push and hold in the solenoid on the electric park lock.
   
3. Connect the connector to the ignition switch.
   
4. Insert the ignition switch into the lock cylinder housing. The tabs on the ignition switch MUST be seated inside the lock cylinder housing for proper installation.
   
5. Use a screwdriver to rotate the lock cylinder housing gear clockwise to the start position—allowing it to spring return into the RUN position.
   

Use a screwdriver to rotate the lock cylinder housing gear clockwise to the START position

1. Align the lock cylinder and install the lock cylinder into the lock cylinder housing.
   
2. Connect the passlock and key buzzer into the lock housing.
   
3. Install the steering column trim covers.
   
4. Install the hush and knee bolster.
   
5. Enable the airbag system, as outlined in the Chassis Electrical Section.
   
6. Connect the negative battery cable.
   

Its usually NOT the lock cylinder on the 470s, its usually the housing. The cylinder is on the dash and points towards the engine. Behind the plastic dash panel (once removed) you will see it in fact sticks in an aluminum tube that goes down 2 or 3 inches, then makes 2 turns, left to attatch to the steering column, and right to attatch to the actual ignition switch. The gear and rod assembly that the cylinder attatches to that allows it to rotate the switch usually shatters in the middle and the key starts freewheeling because there is no longer any attatchment to any of the gears or springs or click points that youd usually feel as the rotational resistance. UNFORTUNATELY this is not a 5 minute job (If it was, cars would be a breeze to steal!). Youll need at least a lock cylinder housing (dealer stock em, they break all the tyme), and IF your cylinder is undamaged, change the housing (it bolts to the steering column and extends from column towards center console area where the ignition SWITCH is actually located). If your cylinder is damaged or the housing is so shredded you cant remove the lock cylinder by normal means...then youll also need the cylinder...and it will have to be recoded to the vehicle so the anti theft will allow the new keys/cylinder to start the car. If your old cylinder and keys are intact, then transfer them to the new housing and car wont even know it happened and should start up and work as normal. Some can be removed intact, some cant...depends on how yours broke.