1800vw

Caution-- Before working on the Ignition Switch, disconnect the battery ground strap. Otherwise, short circuits could damage the electrical system.

Ignition Switch Replacement (1968-on)
Remove the Steering wheel and loosen the turn signal switch and remove the 2 screws securing the retaining plate. Insert key into the lock cylinder and turn key slightly then pull cylinder out until the retaining spring on the top or side is visible in the opening. Press on the flat retaining spring through the opening with a piece of stiff wire, while pulling the lock cylinder out. Install new switch following above steps in reverse.

Removing and Installing the Ignition Switch (1972-on)
Beginning with the 1972 models, the new type ignition switch had a plug on the wiring harness that made it possible to remove & install the lock cylinder and the ignition switch without having to remove the steering lock first. The turn signal and the wiper switches must, however, first be removed.

The four long screws "A" hold in the turn signal and wiper switch in place. These must be removed in order to get to the two screws "B" After removing these the ignition assembly (photo below) can be removed from steering column housing by turning the key & pulling the lock cylinder out. On 1970& later it is not necessary to turn the key unless a later-type lock has been installed. Late type has black plastic cap as seen it photo below.

"A" in photo at right is the the ignition switch. (electrical part)
"B" is the retaining spring on the lock cylinder, that must be depressed by inserting a nail or stiff wire in hole "D"
If no hole is present, it must be drilled. Dimension "C" is 11mm in both directions from outer edge & top centerline of housing.

Install Cylinder
If the lock cylinder has a black plastic cap (72 & later as in above photo) then install the cylinder by pushing it in without the key. Then use the key to turn the cylinder to the left and check that it is working OK.
The earlier-type lock cylinder without the black plastic cap must be inserted with the key inserted with the key inserted in the lock cylinder. Then turn the cylinder to the left stop position and remove the key.
Caution-- Make sure the switch is in the locked position before attempting to install the lock cylinder. Do not attempt to install the late type with the key inserted.