how to replace ignition switch on 96 cabrio (golf)

Bill, I did this on my daughter's 97 Cabrio earlier this year. I did it by removing a single bolt at the base of the steering column and pulling the entire column/wheel as an assembly. There is another bolt that you need to remove under the plastic cowling just under the wheel. This bolt is a shear bolt that will have a round head. You will need to turn it with pliers or visegrips. It won't be very tight and should come out easily. You will have the entire assembly out in about 5 minutes. After getting it out there is one small screw that holds the ignition switch in place. NOW FOR THE "FUN" PART"... After changing the switch (about a $20 part if I remember correctly), you put the wheel/column assembly back in place which is VERY easy but....... you have to reinstall the single bolt at the base of the column. This is easier said then done. I am 6'5" and don't fit under the dash so that may have added to my struggle. There is a universal joint at the base of the column and a spring (and a washer??) that you have to hold in place while putting downward pressure on the column to compress the spring while installing the bolt. I took me a several tries to get the bolt in. You may need someone else to push on the wheel/column while you install the bolt. I had to use only one hand to hold everything in place and put the bolt in but maybe if you put the top down and have your feet sticking up and your head/arms under the dash you may be able to use two hand which should make it much better. As bad as I made this sound, I'd do it this way again. Everything comes out really quick, the switch is easy to replace, and you save a bundle doing it yourself. Just a bit of work to get the base of the column reattached. Check out

"Bill Kearney" wrote in message news:I5idnSSqCry2ebrYnZ2dnUVZ snipped-for-privacy@speakeasy.net...