I've noticed that after driving (even for only a few miles) the key feels very hot, and when I feel the metal around the ignition it also is hot to the touch. I don't want to seem like a car hypochondirac, but I don't remember it ever doing this before(let's just say the first time Inoticed it the key was NOTICEABLY hot, and has been numerous times since then.)

I recently performed the independent fog light mod (however I wrapped wire around the plugs to connect them(a la the one touch rear windows DIY) instead of soldering on the board, and I covered the prongs with tape instead of dremmeling them off), and I should report that now the headlights(low beams only, not corners or dash lights) are on whenever the key is turned on. the fogs work pretty much how i wanted them to(with the brights on, but I'm unable to see if they work without the low beams because I can't turn the lows off!)

Is my hot key probably a result of some resistance created by the fog light mod? it seems strange that the resistance would affect the ignition, and not the foglight control module though... anyone know what's going on, and if possible, how to adjust my fog light mod so that i have control over my lows again?

99 (facelift) 2.8Q

 

The ignition switch functions somewhat like an arming device for the headlights. When the key is off, you cannot turn them on - the key has to be on for the lights to come on. I'm thinking that possibly you have a short in the ignition switch, which is causing the lights to come on whenever the key is in. If you have a short in there, the current flow could be causing things to heat up. If all else fails, you could change the switch out (it's fairly inexpensive, around $30ish I believe).

 

do you mean replace the tumbler end (where the key slides into) or the plug end (on the opposite end from the key hole)? will I need to recode the key or anything like that?