How to Fix Car Ignition Problems
A car won't start unless the ignition switch transmits an electrical signal to the starter motor. Over time normal wear and tear may cause the switch to fail.
You can remove the trim on your steering column using specialized tools to gain access to your ignition cylinder module. Consult your repair manual to learn how to do it right.
1. Make sure you check the Switch
One of the most frequent ignition issues is a malfunctioning switch. It acts as bridge between two contacts, and controls when relays activate and deactivate. Because it isn't able to channel the full power of devices like the starter, it's a lighter component that's less likely fail. However it's still possible for the switch to become damaged or damaged or corroded.
One sign of a bad switch is a difficulty turning the key. This could be due to various factors that include improperly inserting the key, or the mechanism wearing out over time. It's also common for people to mistake their keys to their car with someone else's, which can cause 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 aren't any electrical issues with the system. Also, you should verify the voltage of every component to ensure they are sufficient power. Once you've completed these steps, you're ready to begin troubleshooting.
Fortunately, the ignition switch is simple to replace. It is connected to the ignition module, a round piece of equipment that holds everything together. You'll need to use an elongated flathead as well as something that is long enough to press the pin in. You can make use of anything from a paintbrush, to a kabob stick, but avoid anything brittle as it could break into the hole.
Once you're ready to complete the work, you'll need to take away any trim pieces covering the area around the ignition switch. After this, loosen and remove any screws that are holding the switch in place, and then gently remove it. Depending on the model, you may also have to unplug any wires that connect to it. If you have a manual for the vehicle you own, this will tell you exactly how to do it.
If the ignition switch isn't working it's recommended to have it replaced by an expert. It's not easy to replace the ignition switch without removing your steering column. This could lead to an unintentional deployment of airbags when you don't do it correctly. For this reason, it is recommended to let your local locksmith handle this for you.
2. Verify the Wire
If you are unable to turn the key in the ignition or your car won't start, the problem could be related to any number of components of your vehicle's ignition system. Understanding how the ignition system works can help you spot problems and make the appropriate repairs.
The ignition switch is a low-voltage multi-pole electrical switch which is turned by the key. It has four positions: off run, accessory, and "lock." If the switch is locked (which is typically shown by a red light) the ignition circuit is activated and it is not possible to start your car.
To determine whether the ignition switch damaged or if the ignition coil is faulty, you'll need to do a quick electrical test with an voltage meter. The voltmeter should read around 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the running position. If the voltage is below that it indicates that there is an open circuit within the system. This could be at the solenoid, the battery or even the ignition coil itself.
Remove the electrical connector from the ignition switch so that there are no other components that could interfere with your test. Set the voltmeter on the resistance or continuity modes and place one lead on one of the terminals on the ignition switch. The other lead should be connected to the positive terminal of the battery. If the voltmeter shows "open" or doesn't show any voltage, it's time to replace the switch.
Use a new ignition key and a high-quality ignition cylinder when you replace the switch to ensure your vehicle starts and runs correctly. Also, when you replace the ignition switch, you must be careful not to hit the pins of the ignition cylinder with your tools or they'll get stuck and the engine won't start. You'll have to take off the steering wheel and the gear selector on some vehicles to access the ignition cylinder. This isn't easy and isn't recommended until you have an owner’s guideline that states it's safe. If you do not you could cause severe damage to your steering column and the shift mechanism.
3. Check the Cylinder
If you've sifted through the wiring, battery, and ignition switch and still cannot get your car to start, it may be time to examine the cylinder. It's the part that holds your key and is mechanically connected to the lock on the steering wheel so that a potential thief cannot steer the car without a key.
You may notice that your key will not rotate if the cylinder is worn out. Sometimes, the pins in the cylinder get stuck when they adjust to the shape of the key, which could cause your car to not start. The cylinder could also be loose. A tap using the tackhammer can help. Be careful not to crush the springs in the cylinder and ensure that the key is correctly placed before tapping.
Another sign that your cylinder is going bad is if you have to jiggle the key and test it in various positions before it starts. This is a sign of trouble and should be corrected right away because it will get worse with 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 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 locksmith in order to reuse them as long as they're in good condition. After replacing the ignition switch and cylinder, ensure that you reconnect the wiring, secure it and reattach all covers and panels that you took off.
4. Make sure you check the Spark Plugs
The spark plug is the final link in your ignition chain. The engine won't start in the event that the spark plug fails. ignition key replacement cost can be that your car will not start at all, or it will run badly. In either case, it's likely that one of several things are hindering or preventing electricity from jumping across spark plug gaps, which ignites the mixture of fuel and air inside your engine.
Be sure to use protective tools and gloves before you begin working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs can be very hot and could cause serious injuries if touched by hands without gloves.
When a spark plug goes bad, you may notice that the tip of the central electrode is covered with a light gray or brown residue on it. It may also have a black coating on the side of the electrode. These deposits or fouling can hinder high-voltage electrical currents from crossing the gap of your spark plug, igniting an engine.
If you suspect that your spark plugs might be the culprit, you can test them by having them remove the plugs from their tube inside the ignition coil. This can be accomplished by disconnection of the coil and the plug wire. Then, you will be required to follow the correct procedure for your vehicle to take off the components that are covering the plugs. After removing the plugs place them on a metal surface that is grounded and start the engine. If they're good you will see a bright blue spark across the gap between the tip of the central electrode.
If you don't see a spark, you've found the issue. The next step is to go back through the ignition system chain, testing each component until you find out what's stopping the spark plugs from performing their job. It is important to keep in mind that all systems wear out and break down over time and this is particularly true of ignition systems. Routine maintenance can help to slow down the process and avoid a major headache at the worst time.