VW Touareg Starting Issues Point to Bad Ignition Switch

I experienced something very similar with my VW Touran 2011. As someone with basic car maintenance experience, I first thought it was the starter motor causing the problems. After checking multiple components myself without success, I took it to a workshop. The issue turned out to be much simpler, a blown fuse connected to the ignition system. The mechanic found it during the diagnostic check. Total repair cost was 52€, which included the diagnostic fee and fuse replacement. The symptoms you describe, inconsistent starting, rough running, and unusual shutdowns, match what I dealt with. However, since these symptoms can point to various issues, knowing more details would help narrow down the cause: Does the engine crank when you turn the key? Are there any warning lights on the dashboard? Have you noticed any electrical issues with other components? When did these problems first start? Is the check engine light on? A failing ignition switch could indeed cause these symptoms, but its worth checking the simpler possibilities first. From my experience, its best to have a proper diagnostic done rather than replacing parts based on guesswork.

Thanks for sharing that experience. Actually, my car just had its service at 127284km last month. Mine has slightly different behavior, when the engine shuts off, all dashboard lights stay on and the steering wheel doesnt lock. The engine cranks normally but sometimes takes 3-4 attempts to start. Checked all fuses already but they seem fine. No warning lights appear before the issue occurs. The problems started about two weeks ago, right after a particularly cold morning. The engine runs perfectly smooth once started, which makes me think the ignition switch might be the culprit rather than the starter motor. Would appreciate any other specific troubleshooting steps before taking it to a workshop.

Thanks for those additional details. After you mentioned the cold morning trigger, it reminded me exactly how my Touran issues started. While my initial problem was a fuse, it later developed similar symptoms to what youre describing, especially the multiple start attempts and dashboard lights staying on. In my case, it turned out the ignition switch was indeed failing, but here is what helped diagnose it: The key would turn smoothly but the starter motor engagement was inconsistent, Dashboard lights remained powered while the engine died, just like youre experiencing, Cold weather definitely made it worse, No warning lights appeared on the dashboard before incidents The fix involved replacing the complete ignition switch assembly. After repair, the multiple start attempts stopped completely. The total cost was around 280€ including labor. Before heading to the workshop, you could try this quick test: When turning the key, listen carefully for a clicking sound from the starter motor. If you hear clicking but no crank, its likely a starter issue. If you hear nothing when the engine fails to start, despite the dashboard lights being on, it strengthens the ignition switch theory. Given your symptoms and my experience, especially with the cold weather connection, I strongly suspect your ignition switch is the problem rather than the starter motor.

Thanks for the detailed troubleshooting suggestions. I just tried the test you mentioned, when the car fails to start, I dont hear any clicking sound, though the dashboard stays lit up. This really does point toward the ignition switch being the issue. The fact that your repair solved similar cold-weather related symptoms gives me more confidence about the diagnosis. 280€ for the complete fix sounds reasonable compared to repeatedly taking it to the workshop for trial-and-error repairs. Think Ill book it in next week and specifically ask them to check the ignition switch first. The unusual shutoffs while driving are getting more frequent, and I dont want to risk getting stranded somewhere. At least now I can explain the symptoms better and point them in the right direction. Really helpful to hear from someone who dealt with such a similar starting issue. Will let you know how it turns out after the repair. Thanks again for walking me through the diagnostic steps, saved me a lot of guesswork.