Old Library

     Well, here is my $.02,
        What the dealer is telling you is mostly bullshit.  Partly true
     because a heavey key ring can damage the ignition switch, but it is
     really a problem because the ignition switch in the car is a weak part
     to start with.
        Definitely get the switch replaced under warranty if they will do
     it, eventually it will fail and leave you stranded.  Secondly I would
     fight them on it and have them do what it takes to have all the keys
     match.  I had my switch go out and I don't have a heavey key
     chain,(ironically I was using the one VW sent me) and only one key.  I
     had to pay to have the ignition switch replaced and passed on the
     other doors being re-keyed because it would come out of my pocket.
        I was led to believe that the other locks would have to be rekeyed
     and the the new lock could not be keyed to match the old locks.
     Apparently this is not true.  Shortly after having mine fixed, Don
     (deecee) a VW mechanic that reads this list wrote to me saying the new
     iginition could be rekeyed to the old locks, the dealer is just
     fishing for billable hours (ie. it is more profitible to re-key the
     car.)
        The truth is the ignition in the car from the start is a poor part.
      When mine went out it was the straw that broke the camels back with
     me and I decided to fight VW on it.  I posted to the list and anyone
     that would listen, asking if others had this same failure.  In 2 days
     I recieved more than 20 e-mails relating the same story of the
     iginition failing.  The VW rep I talked to said that it was also not
     uncommon for them to fail.  And sure enough the new part that they
     installed in my car is of a differnt design than the original!

     Here is my advice, get the ignition fixed, make them rekey the new one
     or the rest of the car to match, and don't make them charge you a
     cent. (this of course will only work if you are under warranty)  If
     you are out of warranty and they are offering to do the ignition as
     good will then get it done, live with 2 keys (like me) and know that
     you are not alone.  I will also forward to you my letter to VW that I
     sent to them when mine failed, keep in mind they told me to f--- off
     and didn't pay for anything.  I really hate VW but love my car!?

     Good luck,

     Andy Atwell

--
For info on: how to subscribe & unsubscribe, the list's tech/how-to
    library, etc.  see:   http://www.panix.com/~aqn/GTI_VR6/gti_vr6_list/

At 01:06 PM 10/30/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Thank you all that helped me. I went to the dealer and told them I wanted
>the Ignition replaced (which they were willing to do in the first place),
>and retumble all of my other locks (even the glovebox and rear seats).
>They were difficult at first, but after a little persuasion and about a 1/2
>hour in my car watching DVD movies, they agreed to do it. I dont see it as a
>victory because they were supposed to do it under warranty anyways!!
>
>Again thanks for all your input.
>
>Michael
>
Michael. The dealer is obligated under warranty to rekey all the locks. We
are well paid from  VW when it comes to rekeying the locks. In my shop we
pull the lock assembly apart and have a lock smith come in and recode the
new ignition lock to fit the rest of the car.

Don
--
For info on: how to subscribe & unsubscribe, the list's tech/how-to
    library, etc.  see:   http://www.panix.com/~aqn/GTI_VR6/gti_vr6_list/