How to Fix Car Ignition Problems
The car won’t start until the ignition switch transmits an electrical signal to the starter motor. Normal wear and tear over time could cause the switch malfunction.
Utilizing special tools, you can remove your steering column trim and access the ignition cylinder module. Check the repair manual to get guidance on how to do this in a safe manner.
1. Check the Switch
One of the most frequent ignition issues is a defective switch. It functions as bridge between two contacts, controlling the relays’ activation and deactivation. It is less likely to fail because it does not channel full power from devices like the starter. However, it’s still possible for the switch to become damaged or damaged or corroded.
A bad switch can be recognized by a slow time turning the key. This could be due to various reasons, including incorrectly inserting a key or the mechanism being worn out over time. It’s also common for people to mistake their keys to their car with those of the keys of someone else, which can result in mechanical damage.
Before contacting a locksmith, you can try a few things. First, make sure that the battery is fully charged and that there aren’t any other electrical issues in the system. You should also check the voltage of each component to see if they’re capable of supplying enough power. After you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to start troubleshooting.
Luckily the ignition switch is easy to replace. It is connected to the ignition module, a round piece of equipment that connects everything. You’ll need an elongated flathead as well as something long enough for you to insert the pin. It could be anything from a paintbrush handle to a kabob skewer, but you should avoid using anything brittle that could break inside the hole.
Remove any trimming pieces that overhang the switch once you’re ready to get started. After taking off the trim pieces, remove any screws that are holding the switch in position. Then, carefully remove it. Depending on the model you may need to disconnect the cables that connect to it. Find out how to do it in the instruction manual for your vehicle.
If the ignition switch isn’t working it is recommended to replace it by an expert. It is possible to replace it by disabling the steering column, which could result in unintentional airbag deployment if done incorrectly. It’s best to leave it to your local locksmith to handle this.
2. Check the Wiring
If you are unable to turn the key in the ignition or your car won’t start, your issue could be due to any number of components of your vehicle’s ignition system. It’s crucial to understand how the ignition system functions to identify issues and make the appropriate repairs.
The ignition switch is an electric switch with multiple poles that is operated by a key. It has four positions including off, accessory, run and “lock.” When the switch is locked (which is typically shown by the red light), the ignition circuit is active and it is not possible to start your vehicle.
To determine if the ignition switch is bad or the ignition coil is bad, you need to do a quick electrical test using the help of a Voltmeter. The voltmeter should read around 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the running position. If the voltage drops below that level, it’s a sign there’s an open circuit within the system. It could be the solenoid, battery, or the ignition coil.
Connect the electrical connector to the ignition switch to ensure no other components can interfere with your test. Then, set the voltmeter to the continuity or resistance mode and place one lead on one of the ignition switch’s terminals. The other lead should be connected to the positive terminal of the battery. If the voltmeter shows “open” or does not register any voltage then it’s time to replace the switch.
Use a brand new ignition key replacement cost key and high-quality ignition cylinder when replacing the switch to ensure your vehicle is running and starts correctly. Also, when replacing the ignition switch, you must be careful not to strike the pins of the ignition cylinder with your tools or they’ll get stuck and the engine won’t start. You’ll need to remove the steering wheel as well as the gear selector in some vehicles to gain access to the lost ignition key cylinder. This can be a challenge and shouldn’t be done unless you have an owner’s guideline that says that it is safe to do so. Otherwise, serious damage to the steering column or shifting mechanism is possible.
3. Check the Cylinder
If you’ve worked your way through the wiring, battery, and ignition switch and still cannot get your car to start, it could be time to examine the cylinder. It’s the part that holds your key and is mechanically connected to the steering wheel lock so that a potential thief cannot control the car without keys.
If your cylinder has started to wear out, you could find that the key doesn’t turn. The pins of the cylinder could become stuck as they adapt to your key’s shape. This can cause your car to not start. The cylinder could also be sloppy. A tap using a small tackhammer will help. Just be careful not to disturb the springs in the cylinder and ensure that the key is correctly installed prior to tapping.
Another sign that your cylinder is failing is if you have to jiggle the key and test it in various positions before it gets started. This is a red flag and should be corrected immediately, as it will only get worse with time.
To check the cylinder, you’ll have to disconnect your battery, and then remove the cover from your steering wheel until you are able to access the ignition cylinder replacement near me module. You should then be able to remove the old ignition switch and the cylinder made of metal. If you don’t own an extra switch, you might be able take your original ignition cylinder as well as switch to a locksmith for reuse as long as they’re in good condition. After replacing the switch and cylinder be sure to reconnect the wiring harness and secure it and reattach any covers or panels you removed.
4. Make sure you check the Spark Plugs
The spark plug is the final link in your ignition system chain. The engine will not run if the spark plug breaks. This can take the form of your car not starting at all, or it may start but then run poorly. In either case, the cause is likely to be one of several things that prevent or impair electricity from crossing the spark plug gap which causes your engine’s air and fuel mixture to run.
Be sure to wear protective tools and gloves before working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs can be extremely hot and cause serious injuries if touched by hands without gloves.
When a spark plug is bad, you may notice that the tip of the central electrode has a light gray or brown substance on it. The electrode may also have a dark layer. These deposits or a build-up of fouling could hinder high-voltage electrical currents from jumping across the gap between the spark plug and starting an engine.
If you suspect that your spark plugs could be the culprit you could test them by remove them from the tube that is inside the ignition coil. You can do this by disconnecting the coil from the plug wire, and following the appropriate procedure for your car to remove components that cover the spark plugs. Once you have removed the plugs you can place them on a grounded metal surface and then crank the engine. If they’re functioning you should see an intense blue spark at the point of the central electrode.
If you do not see a spark, you’ve discovered the problem. The next step is to go backwards through the chain of auto ignition key replacement and test each component until the spark plugs aren’t working. It is important to keep in mind that all systems wear out and break down over time and this is particularly the case with ignition systems. Regular maintenance can reduce the time it takes to repair and prevent a major headache at the worst time.
