Starter switch challenges

[MikeH]

I bought a new starter switch from autozone for my 70 ghia. It looked right on their computer and seems to be the same one I see in pictures from other online sites. However when I go to install it, the slot that is mated to the little post on the ignition lock doesn't line up right. Very odd. Basically its rotated about 10 degrees off the 12:00 position.

Has anyone ever had this type of issue with a new starter switch? I've verified that the ignition lock is the correct replacement for my model year so it can't be that.

I don't want to get into part ordering "he**" but appear to be headed there.

[ghiastein]

I know that some times my 69 Ghia acts a little weird. My key normally goes in with the lobe down. 1 click nothing 2 clicks power and the rotate it for start but now its push button to start. Some times I forget to rotate my key all the way so the lobe points down before I remove the key. I am able to remove my key at the first click. Just last night I went to insert the key my normal way and I had to flip it upside down to make the key fit. Could it be that you removed your key in the wrong position.

My ignition switch is a one piece with a tab for the steering wheel lock. I have had it a part many times before I even had to solder higher gage wire to handle the extra load.

If you live close to Kalamazoo MI I could stop by to give you a hand.

AJ

[MikeH]

I live in Jenison. Your welcome to drive up anytime ;D

Anyway, I can only insert my key one way and the way the ignition switch goes into the cylinder there can only be one possible orientation. Its slotted so it can't go any other way.

The same with the starter switch, it is slotted and tabbed to fit the ignition only one way.

The inner slot on the starter switch that turns when you turn the key is not oriented properly with the ignition when you insert the key. Rotating the inner switch doesn't make a difference. So I can only conclude one of these is the wrong part.

Pictures would be better but my digital camera is broke.

[ghiastein]

Wow Jenison is a drive from Kalamazoo. Your switch sounds to be a bit different from mine. If I ever have a hard technical question on my Ghia I go to thesamba.com usually just a quick search in the forum finds you a ton of people with the same problem.

AJ

[MikeH]

I went to autozone and had them do a few searches for me. The 1971 switch from Duralast looks dead on from the picture so I ordered it. I'll know if its right tonight. No idea why the 70 version doesn't work for me but I'm flexible.

[MikeH]

The new switch was perfect. After much investigation have discovered that beginning in 1972 VW made a new ignition switch that is often used as replacement in earlier years. The 1971 ghia starter switch from Autozone made by Duralast was a perfect fit, with the right number of wires and color coded exactly right also. The 1970 version of the starter switch just didn't work with the 72 remake ignition.

Maybe this will save somebody some headache later.

Ghia was reassembled last night and running like a charm. Now I might just start tackling the rest of the rats nest. I'm starting to get confident...

[ghiastein]

That sounds great that you got your ignition switch figured out sorry I could not be any more help. My Ghia must have an older ignition switch than yours. Also my Ghia is the only Air Cooled VW that I owned.

AJ