Hi,
My 98 Jetta GL, with auto tranny, recently had a problem which was corrected on warranty (Certified Pre-Owned), but which leaves me with a question or two.
Initially I started the car and the blower didn't work (or by extension the AC). In the next couple miles I noticed a strange hum, and a hint of a rubber-burn smell. Next I noticed the Brake light glowing dimly, so I played with the button on the e-brake and next thing I know the speedo and tach gaudges took a dip, the tranny downshifed a couple gears and I pulled over and shut her off. There was distinct burning rubber/electrical smell. Belts looked good. Fuses looked good. Clock reset itself. Cig outlet was dead. Radio fine.
I had it towed to the dealer courtesy of VW, and the results were that the ignition switch was sticking and had stuck in start position, burning the starter out.
The ignition switch had always, since I got the car this April, been sort of rought initially, never noticed it being rough at the start position though. The repair apparently replaced the electrical part of the starter switch. It feels better now, although still sometimes it feels a bit rough the first ~20 degrees of turn.
Is it OK to use LOCK-EASE penetrating graphited stuff into the ignition switch and the drivers master lock on the drivers door. Are these problem areas anyway?
I'm of course trying to avoid this reoccurring, especially after the 2 year 24k miles warrranty ends.
peace and thanks Irv
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