9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Fix Car Ignition

How to Fix Car Ignition Problems

The car won't begin until the switch sends an electrical signal to the starter. Over time wear and tear may cause the switch to malfunction.

With the help of special tools, you can remove the trim on your steering column and access the ignition cylinder module. Check your repair manual for instructions on how to do this in a safe manner.

1. Make sure you check the Switch

A malfunctioning switch is one of the most frequently encountered ignition lock repair issues. It acts as an intermediary between two contacts, and controls the relays' activation and deactivation. Because it doesn't transmit the full power of devices like the starter, it's a less powerful component that is less likely to fail. However, it's still possible for the switch to become damaged or damaged or corroded.

One sign of a damaged switch is a difficulty turning the key. This could be due to a variety of things that include incorrectly inserting the key or the mechanism wearing out over time. It's also commonplace for people to misplace their keys to their car with the keys of someone else, which can cause mechanical damage.

If the switch isn't working there are some things you can try before calling a locksmith. First, you must ensure that the battery is fully charged and there are no electrical issues within the system. You should also examine the voltage of each component to ensure they are providing enough power. After you've completed these steps, you're ready to begin troubleshooting.

The ignition switch is easy to replace. It is connected to the ignition module, which is a round piece of equipment that connects everything. You'll need a flathead and something long enough for you to press the pin in. You can make use of anything from a paintbrush to Kabob stick, but be careful of anything brittle as it could cause damage to the hole.

Remove any trim pieces that overhang the switch when you are ready to go. After this remove and loosen the screws that keep the switch in place then gently remove it. Depending on the model you may have to cut off any cables connected to it. You can learn how to do it in the instruction manual for your vehicle.

It's best to get the ignition switch replaced by an expert if it doesn't work. It's not easy to replace the ignition switch without disabling your steering column. This could result in an unintentional airbag deployment in the event that you don't do it correctly. It is best to allow your locksmith to handle this.

2. Verify the Wire

Your car may not start if you cannot turn the ignition key or it won't start. This could be due a variety of components in the ignition system. It's crucial to understand how the ignition system functions to be able to spot problems and make the right repairs.

The ignition switch is an electric switch with multiple poles that is controlled by the key. It includes four positions "off", "accessory", "run" and the "lock". If the switch is locked (which is usually marked by an red light), the ignition circuit is in operation and it is inaccessible to start your car.

To determine whether the ignition switch is damaged or if the ignition coil is defective, you will need to do a quick electrical test with the help of a voltage meter. The voltmeter should read around 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the run position. If the voltage is below that, there is an open circuit somewhere within the system. It could be the battery, solenoid or the ignition coil.

Connect the electrical connector to the ignition switch so that no other components can interfere with the test. Set the voltmeter on the continuity or resistance modes and connect 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 reads "open" or doesn't register any voltage it's time to replace the switch.

If you're replacing the switch, be sure to use a new ignition cylinder as well as a high quality key cut to ensure that your car will start and run properly. Also, when you replace the ignition switch, you must be careful not to hit the cylinder's pins on the ignition with your tools, or they'll get stuck and your engine will not start. You'll have to take off the steering wheel as well as the gear selector in some vehicles to get access to the ignition cylinder. This isn't easy and shouldn't be done unless you have an owner's manual that indicates it's safe to do so. Otherwise severe damage to the steering column or shifting mechanism is likely.

3. Check the Cylinder

If you've worked your way through the battery, wiring and ignition switch but you can't get your car start, it might be time to check the cylinder. The cylinder is the piece that holds the key and is mechanically connected to the steering lock so that a would-be burglar can't drive the car without it.

If your cylinder has started to wear out, you might notice that the key won't turn. Sometimes, the pins inside the cylinder are stuck when they adjust to the shape of the key, which could cause your car to not start. Or, the cylinder might be loose and a tap using the tack hammer may assist in releasing it. Just be careful not to disturb the springs within and make sure that your key is properly placed before tapping.

Another indication that your cylinder is going bad is if you have to jiggle the key and try multiple positions before it gets started. This is a red flag and should be corrected immediately, as it can continue to get worse as time passes.

To test the cylinder, you must remove the steering wheel cover and disconnect the battery. You'll then be able pull out the old ignition switch and the metal ignition cylinder. If you don't own a spare switch, you may be able take the original ignition cylinder and switch to locksmiths for reuse so long as they're in good working order. After replacing the switch and cylinder, ensure that you reconnect the wiring harness and secure it and reattach any covers, or panels you've removed.

4. Make sure you check the Spark Plugs

The spark plug is the ignition system's final link. The engine will not start when the spark plug is broken. It can be that your car won't start at all or it will run badly. In either case, the reason is likely to be one of the things that prevent or impair electricity from crossing the spark plug gap which allows your engine's gas and fuel mixture.

Be sure to use gloves and protective tools before you begin working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs can be extremely hot and could cause serious injuries if they are touched with bare hands.

You might notice a light gray or brown residue on the top of the electrode if the spark plug is damaged. The electrode could also be covered with a dark layer. These deposits or a build-up of fouling could hinder high-voltage electrical currents from jumping across the gap between your spark plug and igniting an engine.

If you believe that your spark plugs may be to blame, you can test them by taking the plugs from their tube in the ignition coil. This can be accomplished by disconnecting the coil as well as the plug wire. Then, you will have to follow the proper procedure for your vehicle in order to remove the components that surround the plugs. After you have removed the plugs, place them on a metal surface that is grounded, and start the engine. If they're good, you should be able to see a strong blue spark extending across the gap in the middle of the central electrode.

If you do not detect a spark, you've discovered the problem. The next step is to go backwards through the ignition chain and check each component until the spark plugs are no longer working. It's important to remember that all systems wear down and break down with time and this is particularly true of ignition systems. Routine maintenance can help to slow down the process and avoid an issue at the worst possible time.