The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Fix Car Ignition

How to Fix Car Ignition Problems

The car won't begin to start until the ignition switch sends the electrical signal to the starter motor. Over time wear and tear could cause the switch to malfunction.

With the help of specialized tools, you can remove 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. Check the Switch

One of the most frequently encountered ignition issues is a defective switch. It regulates when relays are activated and deactivated, acting as a bridge. It is less likely to fail because it does not channel full power of devices such as the starter. The switch could still be damaged or corrosion-prone.

A bad switch is identified by a difficult time turning the key. This can be caused by various factors such as 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 those of another's, which could lead to mechanical damage.

Before contacting a locksmith, you can try a few things. You'll first want to ensure that the battery is fully charged and that there are no electrical issues within the system. It is also important to check the voltage of each component to see if they're supplying adequate power. After you've completed the above steps, you can begin troubleshooting.

The ignition lock repair switch is easy to replace. It's connected to the ignition lock repair near me cylinder, which is a round module that holds everything together. It's necessary to use a flathead and a piece of material long enough for you to insert the pin. This could be anything from an artist's brush to a Kabob skewer, but you should avoid using any brittle material that could break inside the hole.

Remove any trim pieces that overhang the switch when you are ready to work. Once you've done this take off and loosen any screws that are holding the switch in place then gently pull it out. Depending on the model you may have to cut off any cables connected to it. Find out how to do this in the instruction manual for your vehicle.

If the ignition switch isn't functioning it's recommended to have it replaced by a professional. It's not easy to replace the ignition switch without disabling your steering column. This could lead to the unintentional airbag deployment if you do it incorrectly. It's best to let your local locksmith take care of this.

2. Verify the Wire

Your car might not start if you cannot turn the key or it won't start. This could be due to any number components in the ignition system. Understanding how the ignition system functions will help you determine the cause of the problem and make the necessary repairs.

The ignition switch is a low voltage multi-pole electrical switch that can be operated by a key. It has four positions: off, accessory, run and "lock." When the switch is locked (which is typically shown by an red light), the ignition circuit is activated and it is not possible to start your car.

To determine whether the ignition switch defective or if the ignition coil itself is defective, you will have to conduct an electrical test with the help of a voltage meter. The voltmeter should read approximately 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the run position. If the voltage falls below that, there is an open circuit within the system. This could be the battery, solenoid or the ignition coil.

Disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition switch to ensure no other components can interfere with your 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 be connected 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.

Make sure you use a new ignition key and a top-quality ignition cylinder when replacing the switch to ensure your vehicle runs and starts properly. When you replace the switch, make sure not to strike the pins of the cylinder's ignition with your tools. Otherwise, they'll become stuck and the engine will not run. You'll need to take off the steering wheel and the gear selector on some vehicles to get access to the ignition cylinder. This isn't easy and is not recommended unless you have an owner's guideline that says it's safe to do so. If you don't you could cause irreparable damage to your steering column and the shift mechanism.

3. Check the Cylinder

If you've gone through the battery, wiring and ignition switch, but can't get your car to start, it may be time to look at 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 drive the car without a key.

If your cylinder has started to wear out, you may notice that the key won't turn. The pins of the cylinder could become stuck as they adjust to your key's shape. This can cause your car to not start. Alternatively, the cylinder may be loose however a tap using the small hammer from a tack can assist in releasing it. Be careful not to jumble the springs within and make sure that your key is properly inserted before tapping.

Another indication that your cylinder is failing is if you have to turn the key and test it in various positions before it begins. This is a bad sign, and it should be corrected right away as it will only get worse over time.

To check the cylinder you'll need to take off the cover for the steering wheel and disconnect the battery. The old ignition switch should be easy to remove, as should the cylinder for ignition made of metal. If you don't have an extra ignition switch lying around, it's possible that you can take your original ignition switch and cylinder to a locksmith to reuse them as long as they're in good condition. After replacing the switch and cylinder, make sure you connect 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 final link in your ignition system chain. The engine won't start in the event that the spark plug fails. It could be in the form of your car not running at all, or it could start but then run poorly. In either case, the cause is likely to be one of several factors that block or hinder electricity from jumping across the spark plug gap which causes your engine's air and fuel mixture to start.

Be sure to wear protective tools and gloves before working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs can be hot and cause serious injuries when you touch them with bare skin.

When a spark plug goes bad, you may notice that the tip of the central electrode has a slight brown or gray substance on it. The electrode could also have a dark layer. These deposits, also known as fouling, can stop high-voltage electricity from crossing the gap between the spark plug and igniting your engine.

If you suspect that your spark plugs could be the culprit you can test them if you remove them from their tube inside the ignition coil. You can do this by disconnecting the coil from the plug wire and following the correct procedure for your car ignition lock to remove components that cover the spark plugs. After you have removed the plugs, place them on a surface that is grounded and start the engine. If they're good you will be able to see a strong blue spark extending across the gap in the middle of the central electrode.

If you don't see a spark, you've identified the problem. Next, you'll need to go backwards through your ignition chain and check each component until the spark plugs aren't working. Every system will get older and eventually break, and this is particularly applicable to ignition systems. That said, routine maintenance can help slow the process down and avoid a major headache at the worst possible moment.