[Vwdiesel] TDI electrical weirdness

[griz_quattro]

S. Shourds wrote:
> This will show what I don't know about electrical work.  The TDI is dead 
> again, and it's the same electrical mess as last time.  The end result 
> is that there is 12V going in to the ignition switch and only 5V getting 
> out to the D15 (for those of you following along at home) terminal that 
> powers things like the instrument lights, door locks, etc.  Makes it to 
> where the car will crank fine but won't start, among other things.  I 
> can measure the 12V going in and the 5V coming out.  There's no weird 
> back current that I can tell.  Last time I went through this, I looked 
> at every ground I could find and found them all good and I tested the 
> voltage against the frame.  What fixed it last time was a new ignition 
> switch.  I have a new one on order but I'm curious as to why this 
> problem would be.  I can't think of any good reason why that voltage 
> would vanish.  Particularly when the switch in the car is less than 6 
> months old.  Makes me think I need to have a spare switch in the car and 
> leave the steering wheel shroud off.  I need to get my '65 MB 190Dc 
> running.  Even the starter selenoid is mechanically operated.  So, 
> anyone able to enlighten this mystery?
> 
> -Shalyn
>

Shalyn,

I had a similar problem a few years ago with my wife. She cranks
and starts fine but her key chain was _HEAVY_ with enough crap
to cause two ignition switches to die, one under warranty and
one six to eight months after warranty ran out.  Same thing with
another Audi 4000q and VW Jetta.

Do you have a heavy laden key chain?

Dennis