My original ignition switch failed about 4 days ago. I hotwired the Vanagon to get it home, and bought a new switch the next day. Last night I couldn't turn off the engine- the key would not budge. I removed the ignition housing again and removed the switch. Once the switch was removed from the housing, the key worked in the tumbler normally. The switch was frozen . I looked at the switch more closely and couldn't find any identification on it. The switch is'nt all white like the original, but black and white. The numbers were also ground off. I brought it back to the local VW auto parts store where I purchased it and they gave me a replacement that is identical to the original, all the numbers and logos intact. The failed switch was aftermarket, and only lasted 3 days. When I bought it, I was in a hurry and did'nt take the time to look it over much. It figures that the switch was a cheap imitation, unable to last beyond three days. The original lasted 20 years.The tumbler is OK. Unless I have it all wrong, and it could be something else that's causing the ignition switch failure, I'd like to hear about it.
Robert 1982 Westfalia
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