I cannot get the plastic around the steering column off a 1985 jetta to replace the ignition. can you help with answers to remove this and the lock assy

Check to see that the cylinders are exactly the same.
Try replacing and removing the original.

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Transceiver module is around the key lock cylinder behind or under the plastic cover on the upper steering column'
Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Transceiver Removal

1. CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage may result.
   Disconnect the battery ground cable, Refer to Section 414-01

1. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder.
   1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch lock cylinder and turn to the RUN position.
   1. Push the ignition switch lock cylinder release tab with a punch while pulling out the ignition switch lock cylinder.
   2. If equipped, remove the tilt wheel handle.
   3. Remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds.
      1. Remove the screws.
      1. Remove the upper and lower steering column shroud.
      2. Remove the lower instrument panel steering column cover.
         1. Remove the screws.
         1. Remove the lower instrument panel steering column cover.
         2. Remove the instrument panel steering column opening cover reinforcement.
            1. Remove the bolts.
            1. Remove the instrument panel steering column opening cover reinforcement.
            2. Remove the anti-theft transceiver module.
               1. Remove the screw from the bottom of the transceiver module.
               1. NOTE: Only apply pressure or leverage below the key cylinder lower rib.
                  Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the module.

Hi there:
Check this REMOVAL & INSTALLATION procedure...

CAUTIONThe Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system must be disarmed before working around the air bag or SIR wiring. Failure to do so may cause accidental deployment of the air bag, resulting in unnecessary SIR system repairs and/or personal injury.

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable from the battery.
2. In order to disarm the air bag system, allow the SIR system capacitor to discharge for at least 2 minutes, before performing any removal procedures.
3. Remove the screws that secure the parking brake release handle to the instrument panel.
4. Remove the screws that secure the bottom of the lower steering column cover to the instrument panel.
5. Disengage the retaining clip that holds the right side of the lower steering column cover to the instrument panel.
6. Remove the lower steering column cover from the vehicle.
7. Remove the mounting screws that hold the upper and lower steering column shrouds and remove the lower steering column shroud.
8. Install the ignition key and turn the key cylinder to the RUN position. This is important because it will not only aid in removal of the ignition lock, but will also place the socket (in the lock cylinder housing) in proper alignment for the installation of the replacement ignition lock.
9. Press in the lock cylinder retaining tab and remove the key cylinder (ignition lock).

To install:

1. Install the ignition key into the replacement ignition lock key cylinder. Turn the key to the RUN position. Depress the ignition lock key cylinder retaining tab.
2. Align the shaft at the end of the ignition lock cylinder with the socket in the end of the ignition lock cylinder housing.

1. Align the ignition lock cylinder with the grooves in the lock cylinder housing. Push the ignition lock cylinder into the housing until the retaining tab sticks through the opening in the lock cylinder housing.
2. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and remove the key.
3. Install the lower steering column shroud and install the mounting screws.
4. Place the lower steering column cover into correct position on the lower instrument panel and engage the clip that secures the right side of the cover to the instrument panel.
5. Install the lower steering column mounting screws.
6. Install the mounting screws that hold the parking brake release handle to the instrument panel.
7. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I`ll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.

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Disconnect your negative battery terminal, then remove the plastic from around the steering column (3 screws), then turn the the ignition lock cylinder to run position, then directly down from the lock cylinder is the ignition switch, remove the two security screws and unplug the old ignition, plug in the new ignition switch, install the security screws, put plastic back on column. Put negative cable back on, DONE.

you will have to replace the lock cylinder in the steering column. This is a diy job, if you can borrow or rent 2 tools. One is a steering wheel puller, and the other is a lock plate depressor. Some part stores will loan/rent these tools. Once you have the tools proceed as follows: 1 remove steering wheel with steering wheel puller
2 install lock plate depressor and depress the lock plate to remove the retaining ring. 3 Remove the turn signal lever and hazard light button, then the three screws that hold the turn signal switch, pull up on the switch and push it out of the way. You may have to get under the dash and unplug the harness to the switch to get enough slack to clear the steering column. 4 remove the lock cylinder retaining bolt then slide the lock out. slide the new lock in replace the retaining bolt and reassemble the column.

Hi!!

The ignition switch is usually mounted to the steering column and is operated by a linkage rod.

NOTE
On column-mounted ignition switches, don't confuse the switch with the lock cylinder and keys. The ignition switch is not normally visible.
On some vehicles, the steering column support has to be removed and the column lowered to find the ignition switch. On others, the switch is accessible under the dash



The ignition switch is operated by the key switch.

To replace the switch:

• Remove the ignition switch wiring harness.
• Unbolt it from its position.
• Bolt the new switch into position.
• Attach the witing harness.

Don't forget to rate this post!! Good Luck!!

Removal & Installation


Blade-type connector ignition switch on steering column, 1980 and later models

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
   
2. Remove steering column shroud and lower the steering column.
   
3. Disconnect the switch wiring at the multiple plug.
   
4. Remove the two nuts that retain the switch to the steering column.
   
5. Lift the switch vertically upward to disengage the actuator rod from the switch and remove switch.
   
6. When installing the ignition switch, both the locking mechanism at the top of the column and the switch itself must be in LOCK position for correct adjustment.
   

To hold the mechanical parts of the column in LOCK position, move the shift lever into PARK (with automatic transmissions) or REVERSE (with manual transmissions), turn the key to LOCK position, and remove the key. New replacement switches, when received, are already pinned in LOCK position by a metal shipping pin inserted in a locking hole on the side of the switch.

1. Engage the actuator rod in the switch.
   
2. Position the switch on the column and install the retaining nuts, but do not tighten them.
   
3. Move the switch up and down along the column to locate the mid-position of rod lash, and then tighten the retaining nuts.
   
4. Remove the locking pin, connect the battery cable, and check for proper start in PARK or NEUTRAL.
   

Also check to make certain that the start circuit cannot be actuated in the DRIVE and REVERSE position.

1. Raise the steering column into position at instrument panel. Install steering column shroud.
   

Ignition Switch REMOVAL & INSTALLATION The ignition switch is located at the bottom of the ignition key cylinder body. To remove the ignition switch, first remove the ignition lock cylinder.

1993–99 Golf and Jetta

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Center the steering wheel.
3. Remove the air bag.
4. Remove the steering column switches.
5. If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, detach the shift lock cable from the lock cylinder housing.
6. Remove the adapter sleeve from the steering column.
7. Remove the spring and horn contact ring from the steering column assembly.
8. Detach the sheer bolt.
9. Insert the ignition key and unlock the cylinder, then detach the wiring connectors.
10. Once all wiring has been detached, slide the housing off the steering column.
11. Mark and drill the lock cylinder as shown and described in the above procedure.
12. Compress the stop spring and pull the lock cylinder out of the steering column housing.
13. Put the new lock cylinder into the steering lock housing.
14. Insert the key into the lock cylinder.
15. While you gently turn the key, insert the lock cylinder fully into the housing.
16. The rest of the installation procedure is the reverse of removal. NOTE: Always use a new shear pin when installing the lock cylinder.
    

sounds like its time to replace that old ignition.....

Ok,if you pull the cover off the steering column,you will see the electrical part of the ignition,it is the part the key cylinder is inserted in and the wires run down to a connector about halfway down the steering column.Just replace that piece and all should be fine.