Volkswagen Repair: Car no start....oh man, vw golf gl, manual tranny

Question
QUESTION: So I have been having clutch/electrical issues with my 97 vw golf gl manual tranny 2.0 L with a new transmission at 50k. I know the clutch has been slipping at high rpm's.  Ta boot, I have had electrical problems.  The electrical problems caused the stereo not to work and other quarky electrical issues (seat belt and air bag light coming on when not supposed to).  I was told early on that my electrical issues could be caused by a faulty ignition switch.  Anyways, so the car is running still at this point.  Well... I go on vacation and come back to find that the car does not start.  When I turned the key I smelled burning rubber, but all the panel lights come on (engine, oil, etc...). Thinking that the ignition switch is the root of all my problems I replace it...not fun.  Car still does not start.  Battery is good (got tested).  My suspicion is a link between the clutch problem and starting. In order to start the car the clutch has to be fully engaged..Correct?  Is there a switch that may be bad?  I know the clutch is bad.  Is it just a bad clutch.  By the way this is the original clutch.  She has 180000 miles on her and counting. Love her.  Help keep her running.

Thanks,
Concerned Parent

ANSWER: Hi Christopher;
The biggest tip off is the "burning rubber" thing.  It's definitely the ignition switch...the electrical portion.  You can buy just that.  It's to be replaced by someone who knows how to remove the air bag, and steering wheel only!  Don't try this at home, at least not without the experience, and the right tools.  Take it to the dealer, and pay them to do it.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I replaced the electrical portion of the igition switch ( the piece that the key depresses).  The switch was a bear to put in, but it is in.  I am sure I put it in correct.  So even if the switch was bad and the new one remedied the electrical problem, the car still does not start. I believe that the problem lies in the bad clutch issue. Is there a switch that the clutch depresses to start the ignition process?  Any other advice would be much appreciated.

Answer
Hi, again, Christopher;
Yes there is a clutch switch, but it is not depressed, it is released, at the pedal.  The switch is located up on the support that carries the clutch pedal, and the brake pedal.  It is easy to change.  Just twist it anti-clockwise slightly, and it will let go, it has a 4 wire connector that has a simple clip design retaining it.  Just remove the clip, place it on the new switch, and reinstall it by turning it slightly back into place.  It is necessary to depress it as you place it in the support.  So, just locate the opening, push it in, and then turn it slightly to lock it into the support.  Good luck.