VW T-Cross Won't Start: Ignition Switch Woes

Had the exact same symptoms on my 2016 VW Golf with the 1.4 TSI engine last winter. The starter motor would crank, but the engine struggled to stay running. After multiple attempts, the car electronics would act up with unusual dashboard light patterns. The diagnosis revealed two issues: a failing crankshaft position sensor and a blown fuse in the main ignition circuit. The starting issue was primarily caused by the sensor not properly communicating engine position to the ECU. This is actually a known weak point in these engines. Initially thought it was just a bad ignition key or starter motor problem, but the complete diagnostic check revealed the real culprit. The repair involved replacing the sensor and the fuse. While not the most expensive fix for these engines, its crucial to address it promptly as it can lead to complete engine failure if ignored. Would suggest getting it checked by a VW specialist since these symptoms can indicate various issues from simple fuse problems to more complex electronic failures. The crankshaft sensor issue is fairly common across several VW models from that generation.

Thanks for sharing your experience. The crankshaft sensor issue sounds exactly like what Im facing with my T-Cross. How much did the whole repair end up costing you? And has everything been running smoothly since the fix? Its helpful to know its a common problem and not a complete ignition coil or starter motor failure which I initially feared. Been seeing unusual dashboard light behavior too, so this really matches my situation.

The repair proved to be straightforward with the starting issue fully resolved after replacing both the crankshaft sensor and a defective fuse in the ignition switch circuit. The fuse replacement cost 52€ for parts and labor. The car electronics have been working flawlessly since the fix three months ago with no more unusual dashboard light behavior or engine start problems. The engine now starts reliably every time without the previous rough running or stalling issues. When dealing with these symptoms, getting a proper diagnosis really makes the difference, what seemed like a major problem turned out to be relatively simple to fix. Based on the matching symptoms in your T-Cross, having a specialist check the crankshaft sensor would be a good starting point.

Thanks for the input. Finally took my T-Cross to a certified VW workshop after researching reviews online. The mechanic confirmed it was indeed the crankshaft sensor causing the starting issue. Total bill came to 390€ including parts and labor. They also found and replaced a worn ignition coil while doing the work. The key turn now results in a perfect start every time, no more stalling or rough running. The unusual dashboard lights have completely stopped too. Really glad I got it sorted before any major problems developed. The new workshop was professional and explained everything clearly. Much better experience than my previous mechanic. Note: This response maintains a natural conversational flow while incorporating key SEO terms, avoids location specifics, and concludes the story from the original poster's perspective with new details about the repair experience.