KEY WON'T TURN IN IGNITION ON VW: I can't get my key to turn the car on without much 'wiggling' the wheel...?

Question

...this has happened several times, and today required a tow truck call (the driver manhandled 'wiggled' it on, though). The car is a 2002 Cabrio w/2.0 motor, auto trans. What could be the problem? I am calling my repair shop tomorrow, but just want a clue on possibilties & costs involved - thanks!

Answer 1

Mis-alignment of the unit inside the column

Worn out ignition,(your car is not old enough)

Dealership repair----About $60.00/$100.00

Answer 2

Check if the button on the shifter is in the 'out' position. It's probably stuck 'in'. Jiggle the shifter and the button so it pops out and you should be able to turn the key. If not, as the other poster said, try turning the wheel harder. I've driven THOUSANDS of cars, and I've seen THIS problem on quite a few late 90s-early 00s GM cars with console shifters.

Answer 3

I had this same problem in my car once and it ended up being a bad ignition switch. You ignition lock cylinder (where you put the key in) is attached to the ignition switch with a skinny metal rod. On my car the ignition switch seized up so when I tried to turn the key the connecting rod couldn't slide the ignition switch into any other position (start, run, ACC). I replaced it myself and the switch was only $20.

Answer 4

If you take it to the dealer make sure you only have 2 or 3 keys and nothing else on the key ring.. the load of junk hanging from the key switch is what wears out the switch...if they see it it wont be warranted and if you have to pay.....I bet you throw the junk on the key ring away

Answer 5

It may be as simple as replaceing the key. When my truck was having that problem I went to the dealer to have a key made and it fixed the problem.

Answer 6

The linkage between the transmission lever and the ignition lock needs adjusting.

Answer 7

This car should still be under warranty by VW for this. Its common and it is usually a bad lock assembly

Answer 8

REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY.





TRY FINDING AN INDEPENDENT SHOP INSTEAD OF THE DEALER OR A CHAIN STORE BECAUSE YOU WILL BE OVERALL MORE PLEASED WITH THE FINDINGS AND THE SERVICE.

Answer 9

could possibly be the tumbler in the actual ignition lock cylinder are worn out. just had the same problem with my mercury.

Answer 10

dumb question....but,does car have high mileage? if so is the key worn out...take a good look at it and compare it w any good key,should have sharp cuts and grooves,not all smooth and worn.might be as simple as needing new key cut...that would be sweet!

Answer 11

sometimes it helps to spray the ignition with WD40