10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Fix Car Ignition

How to Fix Car Ignition Problems

The car will not start unless the switch sends an electrical signal to the starter. Normal wear and tear over time may result in the switch not functioning properly.

With the help of specialized tools, you can take off the steering column trim and access the ignition cylinder module. Consult your repair manual for guidance on how to do this correctly.

1. Make sure to check the Switch

One of the most frequently encountered ignition issues is a malfunctioning switch. It acts as an intermediary between two contacts, and controls when relays activate and deactivate. Because it doesn't channel the full power of devices like the starter, it's a lighter component that's less likely fail. The switch can still be damaged or corroded.

A malfunctioning switch is identified by a difficult time turning the key. This can be due to many factors such as incorrectly inserting a key or wearing down the mechanism over time. It's also commonplace for people to mix up their keys to their car with another's, which could lead to mechanical damage.

If the switch isn't working, there are some things you can try before calling a locksmith. You'll first want to ensure that the battery is fully charged and there aren't any electrical issues within the system. It is also important to examine the voltage of every component to determine if it's supplying adequate power. Once you've completed these steps, it's now time to begin troubleshooting.

Luckily, the ignition switch is easy to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, a round module that holds everything together. You'll need to use an elongated flathead as well as something long enough for you to press the pin in. It could be anything from an artist's brush to a kabob skewer, but you should stay clear of anything brittle that could break inside the hole.

Remove any trim pieces that cover the area around the switch once you're ready to go. After removing the trim pieces, remove any screws that are holding the switch in place. Then, carefully remove it. Depending on the model, you might also have to unplug any wires that connect to it. You can find out how to do this in the instruction manual for your vehicle.

If the ignition switch isn't working it's recommended to replace it by professionals. It's not easy to replace the ignition switch without removing the steering column. This could result in an unintentional deployment of airbags when you don't do it correctly. It is best to allow your locksmith to take care of this.

2. Verify the Wire

Your car might not start if it is difficult to turn the key or if it isn't starting. This could be due to any number components in the ignition system. It is important to know how the ignition system functions to be able to spot issues and make the appropriate repairs.

The ignition switch is an electric switch that has multiple poles and is controlled by the key. It includes four positions "off", "accessory", "run" and the "lock". When the switch is locked (which is typically shown by an red light), the ignition circuit is active and it is not possible to start your vehicle.

You can use a voltage meter to quickly test the ignition switch and ignition coil. When the ignition switch has been set to run at a certain voltage, the voltmeter should read approximately 12.6, If the voltage is lower than that then there is an open circuit within the system. This could be at the solenoid, the battery or at the ignition coil itself.

Remove the electrical connector from the ignition switch so that no other components can interfere with your test. Set the voltmeter to the continuity or resistance modes and then place one lead on one of the terminals of the ignition switch. The other lead should be connected to the positive terminal of the battery. If the voltmeter shows "open" or does not register any voltage it's time to replace the switch.

If you're replacing the switch, make certain to use a new ignition cylinder and a top quality key cut to ensure that your car will run and start correctly. When replacing the switch, make sure not to touch the pins of the cylinder's ignition with your tools. In the event of a collision, they'll get stuck and your engine will not run. You'll have to take off the steering wheel as well as the gear selector in certain vehicles to gain access to the ignition cylinder. This can be difficult and is not recommended unless you have an owner's guideline that says it's safe to do so. If you don't, it is possible to cause irreparable damage to your steering column and the shift mechanism.

3. Check the Cylinder

If you've sifted through the battery, wiring and ignition switch, but can't get your car to start, it could be time to examine the cylinder. The cylinder is the piece that holds the key and is mechanically linked to the steering lock so that burglars won't be able to drive the car ignition switch replacement without it.

If your cylinder is beginning to wear out, you could find that the key doesn't turn. The pins in the cylinder may become stuck as they adjust to the shape of your key. This could cause your vehicle to not start. The cylinder could also be shaky and a tap using the small hammer from a tack can help to free it. Just be careful not to crush the springs inside and ensure that the key is correctly installed prior to tapping.

If you are required to jiggle and move your key around before it will begin, it is a indication that your cylinder has become damaged. This is a negative sign and should be corrected right away as it will only get worse with time.

To examine the cylinder, you will need to remove the steering wheel cover and disconnect the battery. Then, you'll be able to remove the old ignition switch and the cylinder made of metal. If you don't own a spare switch, you might be able to take your original ignition cylinder as well as switch to a auto locksmith ignition replacement for reuse as long they're in good shape. After replacing the switch and cylinder, be sure to reconnect the wiring harness and secure it and reattach any covers, or panels that you have removed.

4. Check the Spark Plugs

The spark plug is your ignition system's last link. If it fails it stops the engine from running. This can take the form of your car not running at all, or it may start but not run well. In either case, it is likely that one of several factors are hindering or blocking electrical current from crossing spark plug gaps, which then ignites the air and fuel mixture within your engine.

Be sure to use protective tools and gloves before you begin working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs can be very hot and could cause serious injuries if they are touched by hands without gloves.

When a spark plug goes bad, you may be able to see that the top of the electrode's central portion has a slight brown or gray residue on it. The electrode may also have a dark coating. These deposits or a build-up of fouling could stop high-voltage electrical current from jumping across the gap between the spark plug and starting an engine.

If you suspect that your spark plugs may be at fault, you can test them by removing them from their tube in the ignition coil. This can be accomplished by disconnection of the coil and the plug wire. After that, you'll have to follow the proper procedure for your vehicle to remove the components that surround the plugs. After you have removed the plugs you can place them on a metal surface that is grounded and then crank the engine. If they're functioning you should see a bright blue spark at the edge of the central electrode.

If you do not see a spark you have identified the problem. The next step is to go backwards through the chain of ignition and check each component until the spark plugs stop functioning. All systems will wear out and eventually fail, and this is particularly true for ignition systems. But, regular maintenance can slow the process down and prevent a major headache at the worst possible moment.