95 Polo 1.6 GLX ignition problem

To remove key (lock position), the transmission needs to be in PARK.

To start (engine crank), the transmission must be either in PARK or NEUTRAL.

Try apply parking break, put transmission in neutral and turn ignition key. If engine does not crank, turn and hold key in start position then move transmission selector to see if there is a transmission select position where it does crank.

Check the wiring harness where it goes into the door for shorts.
I had a 95 camry that was having intermittent electrical issues and found wires shorted to each other where the door opens and closes.

Hi
Is it a coded key that your using ? If so it might need recoding
Regards Nick

This is a strange one that might not be easy to find. My ball park guess is that you have an ignition or ignition relay problem. See if jiggling the keys while starting helps this. I don't think that the amount of time you are waiting really has any bearing on this problem. Other problems could be a grounding issue, starter, maybe battery or alternator.

The ignition switch in the column most likely has a break in it. So when you move the steering wheel, it moves the wire so it completes the connection when you turn the key. Have the ignition switch replaced.

Sounds like the ignition switch could be worn. Not the key part but the electric part the key turns on.

Try a new ignition switch.

the starter should be replaced. The solenoid is kikcing the pinion out but there is no contact being made to turn the starter motor. I have the exact same truck and before i changed the starter used the old starter tap trick. Tap the starter casing with a hammer and it should start turning again. hope this was helpful for you. Good luck.

Hit the starter few times with metal object (hammer or pipe or some sort) while someone else is holding the key in START position. If car starts, your starter is NO GOOD. This is a quick test. There is more testing that you could do, but start there. Whack it with something.

1993 Mitsubishi 3000 GT stalls for no good reason, you never really know for sure exactly when it’s going to happen. It might start up right away, or after a few cranks. It may be hard to start in the first place. This could be caused by a faulty ignition switch, and could be easily repaired.
.5- If the engine cranks but wont start, hold the key firmly pressed inward or frontward while trying to start.
1- If the engine starts: energetically jiggle the ignition key back and forth while the engine is running.
2- If the engine stalls at any time while doing this, then you may have a defective ignition switch.
2.5- Remove the Ignition key from the ignition.
3- Remove the four screws from underneath the steering column cover.
4- Hold the lower half of the cover with both hands and pull it apart from the upper half. You might have to use some force to overcome the locking tabs, you might have to tilt the steering wheel up or down to remove the covers.
5- Insert the ignition key back into the key cylinder (ignition switch)
6- Turn the key to the on position (don’t start the engine)
7- Move the key in and outward while observing the opposite side of the key cylinder
8- If the opposite end of the key cylinder moves even a little, while moving the key; then the wiring side of the ignition switch has popped out of the key cylinder and needs to be secured back into place. (You don’t have to replace the key cylinder)
9- Press the wiring end of the key cylinder inward and tie it down firmly with a strong nylon zip tie.
10- This should take care of the problem.
10.5- Remove the ignition key.
11- Reinstall the removed parts.

Don’t use a rubber band to tie down the loose ignition part; it will break-off when the ignition switch gets hot.