Key/Ignition Switch Question

My CMC (1969 VW) key has developed an issue that when the key is turned to the on position (starter engaged) it does not spring back when released. I know I have read somewhere that there is a spring in the lock cylinder that makes the key spring back. Does anyone have any idea where that spring is located- is it in the key cylinder or in the steering wheel lock section? (in case I need to replace the whole thing) . Thanks! Fred

http://www.vw-resource.com/ignition_switch_replacement.html#ignition

GO SENS GO

Welcome to speedster paranoia. When I needed a spare key for the speedster, I went to every key shop around over a period of six months. Nobody had a suitable blank. Eventually found the key was for a marine application boat switch. Local marina supplied me with a spare. Who'd a thought . . . .

I bought a replacement '56 switch -- I imagine it's the same for all 356s -- but now the accessory position is one stop left and the master power is one stop right.
I use a starter button and a secondary ignition switch to back it up. That way I have more things to test when I can't start my car.
It's more work for me; I like that.
:)
The replacement switch was about $40, new in the box. Came with two keys. Works flawlessly.

If the switch is so worn your having this problem, it would be wise to put a new one in before you get a fried wiring harness.

Depending on key ware and lock conditon if they are well worn I'd change it all Cip-1 has it all and it's not that evpencive. You will have to pull the wheel and the turn switch That said NOWS the time.

Thanks for the replies, but I still haven't figured out which part has the spring that returns the key from start to run. I have replaced the electronic side of the ignition switch,and it worked fine for a few days and is now broken again. Has anyone had experience with these parts not functioning correctly? Could this just be a cheap aftermarket part issue?

Yelp the switch is a dud if it wont return . Before you install another I would also suggest taking the old one a part to confirm it was getting hot and melted. Or if the spring just fell out.

If it melted you have a wiring issue of some kind. Either a wire crossed in the install or something else has malfuctioned causing a short.

I will post again if I have any new Ideas you need to check. But you do need a switch, and you need to check the connections and maybe any pinch points where the harness may have shorted.


BUT !!Check the old switch FIRST so you dont have to waist more time.

You need to know what went wrong.

If it helps, I trim my wires to length so there's very little protrusion on the far side of the terminal. Just enough wire to squash it with the screw, but not enough that it runs long and touches another terminal or wire.