Ignition Switch???

[theman53]

I have a problem. Just happend right now. I turn off the key and the car keeps running. I stalled it and thinking it was a fluke as it happend once a long time ago started it again and it did it again.

So is it the famed ignition switch or some relay.

[ORCoaster]

When a switch no longer becomes a switch it becomes either a fuse or a wire.  Sounds like you're in for new keys for the car but old ones for the doors.  If they even lock anymore.

[theman53]

I just took it for a trip again and it was fine. I think it might have been because the trip I took that did it was real short after an all day trip.
I have no clue what it is, but it went away for now.

[vanagonturbo]

Î have never seen an ignition switch cause this problem. I have seen the fuel shutoff solenoid cause this problem on more than one occasion. Check for power at the shutoff solenoid when the key is off. That will give you a good idea where to start.

Also, replacing the ignition switch does not require replacing the tumbler/lock assy. so no need for an additional key.

[ORCoaster]

I have seen the fuel shutoff solenoid cause this problem on more than one occasion.  (Vanagonturbo, 2011)

You mean they just stick open?  That little spring doesn't push down on the opening and shut the fuel off?  I had a solenoid go out on me a bit ago where when given power it wouldn't pull the valve part up.  When I replaced it I noticed that there was some wear on the parts and wondered if it could ever be stuck in the open position. 

Is this the situation you are describing?

[vanagonturbo]

I have seen them fail both ways. No start or no turn off. It is usually due to metal particulate in the pump that causes it from my experience. it gets stuck in the plunger and holds it open or gets stuck in the sleeve the plunger slides in and holds it either way.

[Baron VonZeppelin]

I would guess fuel shut-off solenoid too.
They do get hung like that, as one symptom, when they get near retirement - or when they just need a good check-up/cleaning.

" Usually " a problem ignition switch takes the opposite approach.
As in car won't start/trigger the starter.

But most of us have found out - anything is possible with these cars.
They can be the most forgiving - and the most unforgiving.

[ORCoaster]

Amen to that!

[theman53]

worked fine all day today...except now there is a huge oil leak when sitting. NEVER ends

[ORCoaster]

Don't it seem to go.  When it stops raining and the sun comes out you have to watch out you may sit in a wet spot on that recliner chair trying to enjoy the rays.

[bajacalal]

Once you change the ignition switch on one of these cars, you will realize why they are the source of so many problems... It's just a cheap, plastic, piece of crap part on these. I can get them for under $5 each and they look like they're worth half that. It could be the solenoid on the pump too but my money is on that switch.

[theman53]

FOUND!

I shut it off the other day and it didn't shut off. Popped the hood pulled the 12v off the stop seliniod and it kept right on running. I may try to pull and clean it, but I have another one that just came today. This was new with Giles rebuild approx. 26,000 miles ago less than 1 year in service. Hope the new one lasts longer as they are 50.00 new from az autohaus.

[ORCoaster]

Half that in other places.  25 or so.

[theman53]

pics or I don't believe you

[ORCoaster]

http://catalog.importrp.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1981-VOLKSWAGEN-Rabbit--L--Custom/l4_1.6l_diesel_cr-Diesel--Injection&yearid=1981&makeid=VOLKSWAGEN&engineid=1285062%40%40RABBIT+L+CUSTOM%2FL4_1.6L_DIESEL_CR%40%40RABBIT+L+CUSTOM&catid=Diesel+Injection&subcatid=Injection%20Pump%20Stop%20Solenoid&mode=PA


Looked it up just minutes before reading your post it was in another I was following.