How to Fix Car Ignition Problems

The car won’t begin to start until the ignition switch is sending an electrical signal to the starter motor. Normal wear and tear over time could cause the switch malfunction.

Utilizing special tools, you are able to remove your steering column trim and access the ignition cylinder module. Refer to your repair manual for instructions on how to do this correctly.

1. Make sure to check the Switch

A defective switch is one of the most frequently encountered ignition issues. It controls the time when relays are activated and deactivated through the use of bridge. Because it isn’t able to harness the full power of devices such as the starter, it’s a less powerful component that is less likely to fail. However, it’s still possible for the switch to be damaged or corroded.

One indication of a defective switch is the difficulty in turning the key. This can be due to various reasons such as incorrectly inserting a key or deteriorating the mechanism over time. It’s also common for people to mix up their keys to their car with someone else’s, which can result in mechanical damage.

If the switch isn’t working, there are a few things you can try before calling a locksmith. You’ll first want to ensure that the battery is fully charged and there are no electrical issues with the system. Also, you should examine the voltage of each component to make sure they’re providing enough power. After you’ve completed the above steps, you can begin troubleshooting.

The ignition switch is simple to replace. It is connected to the ignition module, which is a round component that holds everything together. To replace it, you’ll require a flathead screwdriver and something that is long enough to push the pin into. You can make use of anything from a paintbrush to a Kabob stick, but be careful of anything that is brittle, as it can cause damage to the hole.

Remove any trim pieces that overhang the switch when you’re ready to get started. After taking off the trim pieces, take off any screws that hold the switch in position. Then, carefully take it off. Depending on the model you might need to disconnect any cables that connect to it. Find out how to do this in the manual of your vehicle.

If the ignition switch isn’t working, it’s best to replace it by a professional. It can be difficult to replace the ignition switch, without disabling the steering column. This could lead to an unintentional airbag being deployed in the event that you don’t do it correctly. It is recommended to allow your locksmith to take care of this.

2. Verify the Wire

If you can’t turn the ignition key or your car won’t start, your issue could be related to any of the components in your car’s ignition system. It is important to know how the ignition system functions to be able to spot problems and make the right repairs.

The ignition switch is a low voltage multi-pole electrical switch which is turned by the key. It has four positions, including “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 active and it’s not possible to start the engine.

To determine whether the ignition switch is damaged or if the ignition coil itself is defective, you will must conduct a quick electrical test using an voltage meter. When the ignition switch is set to run, the voltmeter should show around 12.6, If the voltage falls below that then there is an open circuit somewhere within the system. This could be at the battery, the solenoid or the ignition coil itself.

Connect the electrical connector to ensure that it does not interfere with the test. Then set the voltmeter to the resistance or continuity mode and place one lead on one of the ignition switch terminals. The other leads should go to the positive terminal on the battery. If the voltage gauge shows “open” or does not register any voltage then it’s time to replace the switch.

When changing the switch, make certain to use a new ignition cylinder as well as a high quality key cut to ensure that your vehicle will run and start correctly. When replacing the ignition switch, be careful not to hit the ignition cylinder pins with your tools or they’ll get stuck and your engine won’t start. You’ll need to take off the steering wheel and the gear selector in certain vehicles to gain access to the ignition cylinder. This isn’t easy and isn’t recommended until you have an owner’s guideline that states it’s safe. Otherwise serious damage to the steering column and shifting mechanism is possible.

3. Check the Cylinder

If you’ve sifted through the battery, wiring and ignition key replacement switch and still can’t get your car to start, it may be time to examine the cylinder. It’s the component that holds your key and is connected to the lock on the steering wheel so that a potential thief cannot drive the car without keys.

If your cylinder is beginning to wear out, you may be noticing that your key isn’t able to turn. Sometimes, the pins within the cylinder are stuck as they adapt to the shape of your key, which could cause your car not to start. The cylinder could also be sloppy. Tapping it with a small tackhammer will help. Be careful not to disturb the springs within and make sure that the key is correctly inserted before tapping.

Another indication that your cylinder is failing is when you need to jiggle the key and try multiple positions before it starts. This is a bad indication and should be corrected immediately, as it can only get worse with time.

To test the cylinder, you’ll need to disconnect your battery, and then remove the cover from your steering wheel until you’re able to access the ignition module. The old ignition switch should be simple to remove, as should the metal ignition cylinder. If you don’t have an extra ignition switch lying around, it’s likely possible that you can take your original ignition switch and the cylinder to a auto locksmith ignition replacement and reuse them, as long as they are in good condition. After replacing the switch and cylinder, be sure to reconnect the wiring harness, secure it in place and reattach any covers or panels you removed.

4. Check the Spark Plugs

The spark plug is your ignition system’s final link. The engine will not run when the spark plug is broken. It could be in the form of your car not starting at all, or it may start but then run poorly. In either case, the reason is likely to be one of several things that hinder or prevent the flow of electricity across 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 getting zapped. Spark plugs can get very hot and can cause serious injuries if they are touched by hands without gloves.

There may be a slight gray or brown residue on the edge of the electrode when a spark plug is bad. It may also have a black coating on the opposite side of the electrode. These deposits or fouling can prevent high-voltage electrical current from jumping across the gap between your spark plug, igniting an engine.

If you suspect that your spark plugs may be the culprit, you can test them if you remove the plugs from their tube inside the ignition coil. This can be done by disconnecting the coil from the plug wire, and following the correct procedure for your car to remove components that cover the spark plugs. Once you have removed the plugs you can place them on a metal surface that is grounded and turn the engine. If they’re working, you should see a strong blue spark extending across the gap in the middle of the central electrode.

If you don’t see any spark, you’ve identified the issue. The next step is to go backwards through the chain of ignition and test each component until the spark plugs aren’t functioning. It is important to keep in mind that all systems wear out and break down with time and this is particularly true of van ignition repair systems. That said, routine maintenance can slow the process down and avoid a major headache at the worst time.