My 1998 VW Jetta GL - Ignition Switch

First of all, your door locks do not have as many tumblers in them as your ignition switch. A key cut for your ignition switch will make your door locks work, but a key cut to fit your door locks will not make your ignition switch work.

Besides, I have a much more economical and easier way to do it.Take your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and proof that you own the car (Registration papers will work for both) to your local VW dealer or certified locksmith, and they can get the key code from the manufacturer and cut you a new key.

yes its a fairly common fault with all VW motors from this age including skoda and seat

sounds like a short circuit to me take to an automotive electrical technician

the emergency brake needs adjusting. the cover around the e-brake should be removed, and behind the e-brake arm should be a cable and tighten the nut on the end of the cable until the slack is removed from the cable. turn nut, then turn key to accessory, then release e-brake , see if the brake light goes off, if not turn off ignition, tighten e-brake nut again, turn key back to accessory release e-brake, see if light goes off. do this until you see e-brake light on dash go out. headlights should come on.

a car of that year should have an ecu controlling fuel air mix etc. this normally controls the timing.
To reset the ecu on my '95 VW Golf disconnect the battery (negative / black terminal) for 15-30 minutes depending on who you ask. So I do 30 minutes.
If it has central locking make sure you don't leave the keys in the car when reconnect it. swich on the ignition without starting the engine so the dash lights up with the oil light etc. for 30 seconds then off for 10 seconds. then start your car. It will relearn so it will run a bit rough for a while but should settle down. take it for a spin on different types of road ie. slow and fast.

With a volt meter,check for positive 12V on the coil.

post to body metal ground when the KEY is at on position.

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Check alarm for ignition and/or start cut off.

Bad relay on alarm cut off (Bosch type relay)

ARE WE TALIKING ABOUT THE KEY CYLINDER OR THE ELECTRICAL SWITCH?

With the key in the ignition (but not turned), press and hold the Odometer Reset Button on the right hand side of the panel. While still holding that button, turn the key (although not far enough to start the engine) and then press and hold the Minute button on the left side of the instrument pane(if pressing doesnt work try turning the knob clockwise until service light has gone off and skip the pressing)l. Release both buttons at the same time.

sounds like it is a lower ignition switch problem. The upper ignition switch is where you insert the key, The lower is an electrical switch that causes this issue. This car probably has air bags, if so, not recommended for an unlicenced technician.

there is a button to pop the trunk,  when u lift the little compartment between the two front seats... took me a while to find it myself lol