My daughter has a '98 Polo, 1.6 auto. The ignition switch broke 12 months ago and was replaced. Recently various intermittent electrical faults appear - - intermittent wipers, indicators, door and hatch won't unlock, intermittent indicator lights on the dash for handbrake on or ABS. Worst of all, occasionally when trying to put gear lever into Park position a terrible graunching noise like trying to change gear without the clutch.
I presume that the gear selection and declutching process in an auto uses solenoids.
Seems to me that all these intermittent electrical problems might be related, and possibly related to the wiring around the ignition switch.
All suggestions on what the problem might be, - - or how to track it down, are welcome.