[Vwdiesel] '02 Golf starts/dies

[William J Toensing]

I think I know why your Golf starts, dies, & the solution. I had a similar situation with my 2001 Ford Focus in that it needed a new ignition switch. I was going to have my Focus towed to my local Ford dealer but the local towing company refused because I had aftermarket rear fog lights which I had installed for safety below the rear bumper, & feared loading the Focus on his car carrier would damage then at his expense. Lady Luck was on my side in their refusal as it saved me over $250! I then got a brain storm idea to call a locksmith, most of whom will come to where your car is disabled. Went to the yellow pages & found a locksmith who would R&R the ignition lock. While I was at it, I decided to get a couple of extra keys made. The locksmith had to program the new keys & the new ignition as there, as an anti-theft device, chips imbedded in the key that have to be programmed, which he was able to easily do. The cost was around $150 including a couple of extra keys which is what charges the local Ford dealer which in turn, he said, charges the customer over $400. Since cars now sold in the USA have to meet various DOT/EPA regulations, with these imposed to cut down on auto theft. I suspect the issue with your '02 Golf is similar to my Focus. I suggest you call some local mobile locksmiths to see if they can fix your Golf. They at least knew the necessary codes to fix my Focus.
Bill Toensing, Nevada City, CA