Volkswagen Repair: how to fix starter switch on vw cabrio 1998, airbag system, vw cabrio

Question
yes i was wondering how to fix the starter switch on a vw cabrio 1998


Answer
Hi Aaron;
This is a big job.  A real nasty one sometimes too.  The steering wheel, and the airbag have to come off of the car, just to get behind the steering wheel where the ignition switch is located.  This is a common failure, so I would guess that you have diagnosed the cure for it correctly.  Unless you want to butcher the cover pieces on the steering column first you'll have to find an airbag tool.  You'll probably need to find someone with a VAGCOM device too, just to clear the fault out of the airbag system because you'll want to test the repair before everything else is re-connected.  The best information available, with pictures to go along with the descriptions is the "Bentley's" repair manual.  If you don't have one, or haven't checked out what they have to say about this repair, that is the first thing to do.  Those books are usually available at the local public library.  If you have to do it yourself, that is.  The best advice I can give right here is, "take it to a shop that specializes in Volkswagens, and let them do it.  I realize this is an expensive job, but the repair will be complete, neat, and the safety systems will be restored to the condition they are in right now.  If the airbag needs replacing now, or if the steering column is really broken to pieces already then look over the "Bentley's" first, and come back to this forum again, and I'll help you with your questions further.  Please help yourself out though, and do a little research first.  Good luck, Aaron.