02 VW Passat wagon ignition key wont turn

Solenoid at the steering column. Could be wiring. Usually a hole at the bottom of the column bezel. you can insert a small screw diver to release it.

this is probably a dumb question but was the new key coded for the car in question?

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the steering wheel, and then remove the steering column covers. Remove the turn signal and wiper switches. Disconnect the ignition switch wiring. Remove the clamping washer, spring and contact ring from the steering column, and then remove the lock housing up off the column tube and steering column. Remove the ignition switch mounting fastener and remove the switch. Installation is in reverse order of removal noting the following: Press the contact ring, spring and clamping washer onto the steering column using a properly sized and sturdy metal pipe or tube. If after installation of the clamping washer, the steering column is not projecting out far enough, pull the steering column out further.

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get a new switch

You may have lost programming to the body control module, contact the local VW dealer to scan the system for faults.

You are going to need to replace the ignition switch

vag has good dealers but sounds ridicoulus gum does'tn cause steering locks

sounds like it has some wiring issues with the ignition...the wires were loose before thus the intermittent starts....now the wires are completely broken and no longer making contact... i'd recommend getting a new ignition switch...the wires would have to be loose in that little mechanism. It is completely enclosed so you can't service the switch itself. Getting to it requires the removal of the steering wheel and column with column accessories. hope this helps with ID'ing the problem.

Have you tried rocking the steering wheel from left to right as you turn the key?