9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Fix Car Ignition

How to Fix Car Ignition Problems

The car ignition switch repair won't start unless the switch transmits 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 take off the trim on your steering column and access the ignition cylinder module. Check out your repair manual to learn how to do it right.

1. Make sure you check the Switch

One of the most frequently encountered ignition issues is a defective switch. It functions as bridge between two contacts, and controls when relays activate and deactivate. Because it doesn't harness the full power of devices like the starter, it's a less powerful component that's less likely to fail. The switch can still be damaged or corrosion-prone.

One indication of a defective switch is a difficulty turning the key. This could be due to many things that include improperly inserting the key, or the mechanism wearing out over time. It is also common for people to mistake their keys to their car with the keys of someone else, which can cause mechanical damage.

If the switch isn't functioning, there are a few things you could try before calling a locksmith. First, you'll want to make sure that the battery is fully charged and there are no other electrical issues that could be affecting the system. Also, you should check the voltage of each component to determine if it's supplying adequate power. After you've completed these steps, you can begin troubleshooting.

The ignition switch is simple to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, a round module that holds everything together. To replace it, you'll require a flathead screwdriver and something long enough to press the pin inside. This could be anything from a paintbrush handle to a Kabob skewer, but you should avoid using any brittle material that could break inside the hole.

Remove any trim pieces that cover the area around the switch once you're ready to go. After taking off the trim pieces, take off any screws that hold the switch in place. Then, gently remove it. Depending on the model, you may also have to unplug the wires that connect to it. If you have a manual for your vehicle and model, it will show you exactly how to do it.

It's best to get the ignition switch replaced by an expert in the event that it isn't working. It can be difficult to replace the ignition switch without removing your steering column. This could result in the unintentional airbag deployment in the event that you don't do it correctly. For this reason, it's often best to have your locksmith take care of this for you.

2. Check the Wire

If you are unable to turn the ignition key or your car isn't starting, your issue could be related to any number of components in your car's ignition system. It's crucial to understand how the ignition system works to be able to spot issues and make the appropriate repairs.

The ignition switch is an electric switch with multiple poles that is operated by the key. It includes four positions "off", "accessory", "run" and the "lock". When the switch is in the lock position (which typically has an indicator in red) the ignition circuit is live and it's not possible to start the engine.

You can use a voltmeter quickly test the ignition switch or ignition coil. When the ignition switch is set to run and the voltmeter is reading about 12.6, If the voltage falls below that, it indicates there's an open circuit within the system. This could be at the solenoid, the battery or the fix ignition switch coil itself.

Remove the electrical connector so that it doesn't interfere with the test. Then, set the voltmeter to the resistance or continuity mode and place one lead on one of the terminals on the ignition switch. The other lead should go to the positive terminal of the battery. If the voltmeter is "open" or does not register any voltage, you should replace the switch.

When you're replacing the switch, make sure to use a brand new fix ignition switch cylinder as well as a high quality key cut to ensure that your car will start and run properly. When you replace the switch, be sure not to hit the pins of the ignition cylinder with your tools. Otherwise, they will get stuck and the engine will not run. You'll need to remove the steering wheel as well as the gear selector on some vehicles to gain access to the ignition cylinder. This can be difficult and shouldn't be done unless you have an owner's manual that states it's safe to do this. Otherwise serious damage to the steering column and shifting mechanism is possible.

3. Check the Cylinder

If you have tried the battery, the wiring and the ignition switch but still can't start your car it could be time to inspect the cylinder. The cylinder is the part that holds the key and is mechanically connected to the steering lock to ensure that burglars won't be able to drive the car if it's not there.

If your cylinder is beginning to wear out, you could be noticing that your key isn't able to turn. Sometimes, the pins in the cylinder are stuck as they adapt to the shape of your key, which may cause your car not to start. The cylinder might also be loose. Tapping it with a small tackhammer will help. Be sure not to mix the springs, and make sure your key is properly placed.

Another indication that your cylinder is in trouble is when you need to jiggle the key and test it in various positions before it starts. This is a bad indication and should be corrected immediately, as it will continue to get worse as time passes.

To examine the cylinder, you will need to remove the steering wheel cover and disconnect the battery. You should then be able to remove the old ignition switch as well as the cylinder for ignition made of metal. If you don't have an additional ignition switch around, it's likely possible to take your original ignition switch and the cylinder to a locksmith and reuse them, as long as they are in good condition. After replacing the ignition switch and cylinder ensure that you reconnect the wiring and secure it before reattaching all covers and panels that you removed.

4. Check the Spark Plugs

The spark plug is the ignition system's last link. When it breaks it will stop the engine from running. It could be in the form of your car not running at all, or it may start but run poorly. In either case, the cause is likely to be one of a few things that prevent or impair electricity from crossing the spark plug gap which causes your engine's air and fuel mixture.

Before you begin working on your spark plugs, make sure that you work on a safe surface and using gloves and tools that are protected to keep from being struck. Spark plugs can be hot and cause serious injury when touched with your naked skin.

You may notice a light gray or brown residue on the top of the electrode if a spark plug is bad. The electrode could also be covered with a dark coating. These deposits or a build-up of fouling could prevent high-voltage electrical current from jumping across the gap of your spark plug, igniting an engine.

If you think that your spark plugs may be at fault, you can test them by taking the plugs from their tube in the ignition coil. This can be done by disconnecting the coil as well as the plug wire. Then, you'll need to follow the correct procedure for your vehicle to remove the components that cover the plugs. After you have removed the plugs, you can place them on a grounded metal surface and crank the engine. If they're working you should be able to see a strong blue spark near the point of the central electrode.

If you don't see a spark you have found the issue. The next step is to go backwards through your ignition chain and check each component until the spark plugs stop working. Every system will get older and eventually break, and this is particularly applicable to ignition systems. Regular maintenance can reduce the time it takes to repair and avoid a major headache at the worst time.