QUESTION: My car is a 2001 Volkswagen and I am having problems with my ignition cylinder. The problem is that the ignition cylinder will turn no matter whether the key is installed or not.

I noticed this one morning when I went to start the car. The cylinder was already in the on position and I could not fully insert the key until I moved the cylinder back in place. I then noticed that I could move the cylinder to the on position even if the key was not fully inserted.

I spoke to my technician and he told me that I would need a complete ignition cylinder system costing me hundred of dollars. He also told me that anyone could just use a screwdriver and take the car.

The last thing I want is to come out some morning and find the car missing. Do you have any idea what has happened to my car and what I can do to rectify the problem.

ANSWER: No one is going to be able to take your car unless they have the proper transponder key or the machine to program another key.

On the removal of your ignition cylinder, you will see that there is a small plastic override part to your car's ignition cylinder. This mechanism will allow the ignition cylinder to turn without the key inserted, but it does not activate the ignition switch nor will the car start without the proper transponder key inserted. Unfortunately this override part of the switch is not repairable without replacing the complete ignition cylinder.

I called Hamilton Volkswagen and the ignition cylinder costs about $80, and it can be ordered to fit your existing keys. I suggest you visit your dealer who knows how to quickly remove this ignition switch, and they will show you the part that needs replacing. Also I would not let this problem go on for too long since the broken part of the ignition cylinder might cause the cylinder to completely malfunction.

Dennis O'Sullivan is an automotive consultant offering advice to Hamilton Spectator readers. Write to Dennis at The Hamilton Spectator, 44 Frid St., Hamilton, Ont. L8N 3G3.