Replace Start-Stop Button - MK7 Golf R / GTI Golf

[@MikeLaneMods]

Just wanted to say a quick thank you for the vid. My START/STOP was playing up, grabbed a cheap replacement off eBay and had this fixed in no time with the help of your video. My button came with the silver clips which was handy, as the stock ones pinged off into oblivion too when removing. Knowing NOT to pull the outer trim up was a life saver as that was my gut instinct too. The centre piece around the gear stick comes out easily, and once you release the cable clip from the button (a little fiddly to feel for but easy enough) it pops out easily. Took about 10 minutes 💪 Thanks again!

[@AdamChandler86]

Awesome!!! I’m stoked it helped you and saved you some money.

[@knivesandfire1]

Thanks, I just completed the ignition switch replacement on my 16 GTI and with your instructions I didn’t break any trim or clips. Dealer quoted me USD $300 part and install, whereas I only spent $65 for the switch and 10 minutes of my time.

[@rayfougnier365]

You can repair the switch in about 2 additional minutes. Just follow Adam's instructions, but once the switch is out, use the same pick that you used on the connector to carefully pry the 4 tabs that hold the connector onto the body of the switch. Pull it apart, but don't allow the parts inside to fall someplace. Inside, you will find a circuit board with 4 metal pads, and a rubber membrane with conductive pads glued inside the 4 recesses . Scribble on those pads with a graphite pencil. Do all 4 but don't do anything to the circuit board. Why does this work? Graphite conducts electricity, so what you are doing is restoring the conductivity of those pads, allowing electricity to flow from the metal pads through the conductive pads and back to the engine controls. Reassemble the switch and drop it in using Adams instructions and it will work perfectly, but since you dropped those clips because you didn't skip ahead in the video, the switch will not be locked down. No worries, because the only force it ever sees is down, I doubt it will ever pop out.

[@AdamChandler86]

Great tip! Thanks Ray!

[@PUREspeedpwnd]

I wanted to give this a try before i ordered a new switch for my vehicle, whats the trick to remove the switch without snapping the clips?

[@MrHolmsi]

@@PUREspeedpwnd The clips don't seem to snap, they just ping from their holders on the button shell and can be reused. I placed some kitchen roll under the button to catch the clips when they pinged off, while using back side of a hammer to lever the button out, it didn't take much force. There's 4 clips on the button shell, with one under a sticker to remove the shell from button and expose the circuit board. I just cleaned the contacts on the circuit board and corresponding contacts on the rubber with some PCB cleaner/rubbing alcohol and cotton bud. The clips then slide back onto the button shell. Worked perfect when I put it all back together

[@GrimacesGameNuggets]

Thanks for the tip Ray. My start switch died this weekend and having to get it replaced/serviced would have been seriously costly and inconvenient. Your tip worked perfectly and saved me a LOT of trouble. Cheers!

[@GrimacesGameNuggets]

@@MrHolmsi Your trick for catching the metal pins on the switch body worked perfectly. Good stuff!

[@wfiveash]

I was able to replace my starter button thanks to this video and a post on Reddit. Note that unplugging the wire connector from the bottom of the starter was difficult. What I ended up doing was putting the GTI in neutral, making sure the parking brake was on. I pulled up the stick shift cover (note, do not pull up the chrome trim, just pull the part below that up as described in the video). I then got in the passenger seat, with a pick tool, camping headlamp and a small mirror so I could see the underside of the wire connector. I was able to locate the lever/tab and push it up with the pick with my right hand while gently unplugging it with my left hand. I was able to replace the starter button with a new one and all is good now.

[@AdamChandler86]

thanks for the added information! I'm glad you got it working.

[@nygator5936]

Original/Current 2015 R launch edition owner and have been subscribed for nearly 6 years mainly for the VW related content. Prior, I was a supporter on the vwvortex/golfmk7 forums. Many of your most popular videos look to be Mk7 tutorials/reviews/experiences. I’d like to see you continue the R content; it’s informative and very helpful so please keep posting. I don’t see disclaimers on your non-VW videos 😏. It sounds like we possibly missed out on some R updates. I realize your channel for the past 2+ years skews more heavily towards your bike passion but don’t forget about us lapiz blue folk. Thanks for your R insight and info all these years!

[@AdamChandler86]

First, thank you. It’s awesome to read a comment from someone here pre-2016. In my defense, this channel is about me, not really one topic. It’s why it’s never gotten hugely popular. In 5 years, I may be into collecting Pokémon cards, card counting or geeking out over audiophile gadgetry and that’s the videos I’ll make. So, with that said I totally agree and understand where you’re coming from. I sort of rationalize the channel’s theme of the day as people like you unsubscribed 3-4 years ago but that’s because my personal KZbin usage is I watch every single video from every channel I subscribe to and am very liberal with Un-subbing quite often. So thank you and I’m sorry it’s been off-topic for a while. I do have one more Golf R video planned for next week and I DO have plans for the car (methanol, multi port injection, more turning) that will show up in the next year or so.

[@nygator5936]

@@AdamChandler86 The intention of my comment was to voice my appreciation for your channel and more specifically the Golf R content. I look forward to watching/hearing about your R endeavors & experiences. Your videos are great regardless of the subject matter and I’ll be here for all the long haul shenanigans.

[@AdamChandler86]

I appreciate the clarification. You're right, text is always hard to decipher. Thanks so much and it's nice to have you here following along. I'm amazed that we're almost at 10,000 people who are subscribed. Kind of mind-blowing. I've never asked anyone to like & subscribe. never will.

[@moreman2161]

Thank you for the video and for the tips in comments. In my case I used bended owl to slide two metal springs down from the button before removing it from its pocket. These two metal things I throwed away to be ready for cleaning contacts in two years again😊. Used alcohol for cleaning and didn't use graphite at all. Working as intended. That was another VW money trap and anyway it was fixed as usual. Hello from Ukraine!

[@AdamChandler86]

Great advice. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikefrith4114]

Really helpful, thanks, saved me making those mistakes. Then cleaned the contacts with Cleaning Solvent. Instantly works now. UK replacement button costs £99 inc VAT.

[@AdamChandler86]

Nice job!

[@AdamChandler86]

Hi everyone, I know these videos are not of interest to those of you who subscribe BUT please don’t dislike these videos / downvote. Note, these do well with people who need help with various Volkswagen issues and people do find value in them. Sorry for the motorcycle people who don’t like these!

[@10cpaul]

Read my mind!! haha .. Not a VW fan. But love the cycling videos!

[@DasWaXXX]

Keep up with the VW guides!

[@AdamChandler86]

There’s a couple planned. I do a lot to the car that I don’t video tape…I should rectify that soon.

[@AdamChandler86]

Yep, it’s hard. You know if you’ve been here for a while, this channel is all over the place..never just one subject. I’m glad enough people find it entertaining enough to stick around.

[@paulgillard2258]

Try contact cleaner sprayed around the switch before removing it. This fixed mine and it now works perfectly where as before it would take 4 or more try’s to activate. I suspect the contact cleaner made its way to the contacts on the outside of the switch. Give it a go before buying a new switch and before taking the switch out.

[@AdamChandler86]

Great tip, Paul! Thanks.

[@zpars3788]

Did u do this from the top of the switch (where u push), or from underneath after removing the cover to access it?

[@paulgillard2258]

@@zpars3788 the top.

[@larsbragsjo9656]

Super! Worked very good on my car. Sprayed from below and from above. Really helpful 👍

[@paulgillard2258]

@ in the end I had to replace it but it works ok for a while.

[@NisoE-p8v]

Thank you very much .. Video was perfect and efficient !!!

[@AdamChandler86]

Fantastic!

[@jtlewisiv5478]

Thank you Adam. The tip about only pulling on the shifter boot surround was money! I ordered the part of from a large online parts company based on my vehicle and it was perfect.

[@AdamChandler86]

Glad it helped! Enjoy your car!

[@johndoe5229]

Props for the dyi & props for such a dream ride!

[@philipweber404]

Great vid! This worked like a charm. Thanks!

[@AdamChandler86]

Glad it helped!

[@hwy88forever38]

Thanks so much for posting this. Very straightforward install once you showed what to do. Much appreciated!

[@AdamChandler86]

Glad it was helpful!

[@peaceandlove3867]

Many thanks, Adam. I followed your instructions for a VW Golf 7, Year 2016, here in France. The Start/Stop Button is on order. All the best, S

[@camicantillo]

THANKS MAN FOR THE CLIP... IT WORKED JUST FINE...

[@AdamChandler86]

Congrats! Glad it was helpful.

[@yannbarraud4767]

Hi, thanks for the video. I'm able to unplig the button but how did you actually get the button out. The two metallic parts are keeping it in place firmly. Any tip ? Thanks.

[@AdamChandler86]

I'd hate to hear that you broke the plastic but there are some retainer clips on the other side holding it in. I just gave mine a solid push up and it popped out. I didn't break anything.

[@kamelio-d6q]

When the button has those pins (i have a golf 7) , it is possible to remove (break loose) the front pin that is just visible with a sharp screwdriver or something. From there the procedure is as showed in this video, sort off. After cleaning the tiny circuit board in the nob (from oxidation), i reinstalled the button without those useless pins

[@kennethross996]

Thanks for the video. Replaced my Golf’s start/stop button today in no time and saved ££££. A pick is essential to get the cable connection out.

[@AdamChandler86]

Awesome!

[@paperwind1841]

Thank you. You save me so much headache

[@AdamChandler86]

Awesome! Good luck and I hope you get it fixed

[@Jonvr6]

Just to add to this for future reference a small hammer underneath this switch and push up helps.

[@AdamChandler86]

Thanks Jon.

[@kaylamiller3748]

Hey Adam. What was the issue you were having prior to you replacing the ignition switch? My golf 2016 not starting. It’s not turning over. I got it to start, drove it around the block and then had to put it to race mode to turn it off. Now I can’t get it to turn back on. Any thoughts?

[@AdamChandler86]

Hi Kayla, sorry for your troubles. the push button failure just had nothing at all. The console wouldn't even light up at all. As for yours, it could be the button. I wish I could help further.

[@morterina7]

Does the new button need to be in place for the car to start? I have tried connecting the wires with the new button out of place and it won't start. Do the two tabs have a function other than holding it in place? Or is it just that the new button doesn't work properly? When plugged in, the letters look the same as the old button. Thanks

[@AdamChandler86]

Hi. It will work without being snapped in place so long as the connector is seated in the button okay. Perhaps you pulled the wire out of the car too far and it came loose from the other side of the connector?

[@morterina7]

I definitely think the new button is not working properly because I have plugged the old one back in and it works. I am going to reclaim it and buy a new one. Thank you very much, you are a good man Greetings from Spain

[@AkshayDayal4]

Recommend a place to purchase them?

[@AdamChandler86]

This is where I buy all of my VW/Audi parts - vw.oempartsonline.com You can find the part number on eBay and sometimes Amazon but it may be a knock-off.

[@Yorchzz]

Hey Adam, thanks for the video man!, so I was doing some research since I'm replacing the trims in my MK7 GTI and I found that the trim is sold separately.... Maybe this is only for GTI since they do not have e-brakes in NA? any idea? look at this part number 5GM864263CXVI

[@AdamChandler86]

Howdy. My best advice would be to do a search for the part you need on www.vwpartsvortex.com and when you check out, enter your VIN number and they'll confirm fitment before shipping it to you.

[@LuisRodriguez-dc7nu]

Gracias por el video hermano

[@AdamChandler86]

You're welcome.

[@henryi9738]

Thank you, this is the issue I'm having with a 2015 Golf R.

[@AdamChandler86]

I'm glad it was helpful, Henry.

[@Vulcankrypto21]

Could this be the reason I’m getting a system starter fault on my 15 gti ?

[@AdamChandler86]

Hi Vulcan. Not likely. Once the key starts the car, it doesn't do anything else. If the car isn't starting (not trying to roll over, it could be the start stop button). think of this like a power button on a computer.

[@Vulcankrypto21]

@@AdamChandler86 yeah I’m trying to narrow down a systems starter fault I keep getting I have vcds but I haven’t narrowed it down yet even after clearing codes it only appears after shutting the car off and it’ll say it then do 3 beeps then the power will cut off only happened ever since running my amps

[@2monche]

Where can I buy the star button for my mk7 gti ??

[@AdamChandler86]

In USA, VW Parts Vortex or call a dealer but online through vortex is your cheapest place to get them. Be careful on AMazon as they may not be VW OEM and instead be a duplicate from china

[@NeonLightsAreFun]

Thank you!

[@maxmax-zl2hq]

Hey i have a clubsport but no start button, i use keys but can i change?? What is the cost

[@AdamChandler86]

Hi Max, it's a great question but I haven't seen or heard of anyone retrofitting a start/stop button onto a GTI that didn't come with it. With VW anything is possible. You'd probably have to buy the button and the center console trim. The wiring connector is probably already present then VCDS coding to enable it. Oh...it may also require you adding the KESSY system to your car that can recognize a wireless key fob. If your car key does not have a battery in it, then you don't have KESSY and it's going to be a lot more expensive.

[@maxmax-zl2hq]

@@AdamChandler86 hey tyvm for the info i will speak whit volkswagen tomorrow

[@amircondero82]

Hello Adam, I watched your video and it is very helpful. Can you attach the button of the button or a purchase link? I have a car vw Tiguan 2017 thank you very much.

[@AdamChandler86]

I'm in USA so I use Parts Vortex for my VW / Audi parts. Here's the link to your start button - www.vwpartsvortex.com/oem-parts/volkswagen-start-button-5n0959839c3q7?c=Zz1ib2R5JnM9ZnJvbnQtY29uc29sZSZsPTU0Jm49QXNzZW1ibGllcyBQYWdlJmE9dm9sa3N3YWdlbiZvPXRpZ3VhbiZ5PTIwMTcmdD1zZWwmZT0yLTBsLWw0LWdhcw%3D%3D ------ Part Number - 5N0-959-839-C-3Q7 but verify with your local dealer that this part fits your VIN number before ordering.

[@nixosnixos1227]

Where do you buy your parts from

[@AdamChandler86]

Parts Vortex but you can get the part number and search Google to find the best price. Just beware of knockoffs doing it that way.

[@lucamotta7555]

Hi guys, thanks for this video and for all your comments. I'm not able to pull out the button even if I use all my force (I've a VW Golf 2017)...

[@AdamChandler86]

Awesome! Glad it helped.

[@zachsala4596]

Hey so I replaced mine . Car drove fine didn’t shut off on me. Got to Walmart tried to shut the car off and it just doesn’t do that

[@AdamChandler86]

Super odd. May be time to bring in an expert. Sorry.

[@tvbuster]

Would this cause the car to not start and not go into accessory mode? Otherwise the lights work inside the car. But the windows won’t go up

[@AdamChandler86]

Correct. if the start stop is no longer working it's like an ignition on your key hole in your car no longer working.

[@mikee5890]

Saved me so much time and $200 in labour

[@AdamChandler86]

$200. Wow nice!

[@pt3309]

I'm so annoyed. I can't seem to get the old button out. Brute force isn't working. Aggh. Any suggestions anyone?

[@AdamChandler86]

It’s a rough angle. Sorry. Took me a few minutes to finally get a good hold and squeeze in the tab.

[@pt3309]

Oh, so squeeze the tabs too? Is there a particular way to do so? I feel the top tab especially is surrounded by wall and can't even get a finger in there

[@AdamChandler86]

On the bottom of the power button is that clip you'll have to squeeze. Once that's out, you can push the power button from the bottom up but there is tabs holding it in, two of them so you have to push those in as well.

[@flavor8921]

For anyone else in the same predicament, I just forced it out with all my strength. It shouldn't damage the console or anything. Just note the button may come flying at your face LOL

[@pt3309]

An update. I ended up taking it all apart and wasn't able to force it loose. The pins were much too strong! There's a video out there somewhere. also During re-install, it has zero pins now so I won't have this headache. It seems my previous owner left the old button under the seats. So apparently is incredibly defective hardware. Car is only four yrs only. Ridiculous!!!

[@bradb2514]

Good stuff! I’m a big Audi/VW/Porsche guy. It’s amazing how much of this tech is trickle-down, or sometimes parts bin-up through the brand cousins. Your ignition button looks identical to the one in my TTS. You’re pretty anal about facts and figures, you’ll have to let me know how many times you pushed the button before it started failing....I like to plan ahead for my own woes! LOL!

[@AdamChandler86]

Oh totally! The most random stuff shows up across the product line. I have things in my car that the RS7 has and even tough a GTI is NOT an RS7, it's kind of funny to see similar stuff.

[@AdamChandler86]

Oh, Um it was around the 2nd year of ownership, 20K miles that it started giving me problems. my GF's MK7 Sportwagen has 90K miles, same model year and no start button issues at all so I don't think it's an epidemic, just maybe I push the thing too hard?

[@tanovw]

I noticed you went back to stock shift knob lol

[@AdamChandler86]

Many years ago! I think right after that BFI shift knob video, I made another one where I took it off and then kept it that way.