How to Fix Car Ignition Problems

The car will not start until the switch sends an electrical signal to the starter. Over time wear and tear may cause the switch to malfunction.

You can remove the steering column trim with special tools to access the ignition cylinder module. Check out your repair manual to learn how to do it correctly.

1. Check the Switch

One of the most common ignition issues is a defective switch. It acts as a bridge between two contacts, regulating when relays activate and deactivate. It is more likely to fail since it does a new ignition switch require a new key not channel full power from devices such as the starter. The switch can still be damaged or corrosion-prone.

A malfunctioning switch can be identified by a difficult time turning the key. This could be due to many things, including incorrectly inserting the key or the mechanism wearing out over time. It's also commonplace for people to mistake their keys to their car with the keys of someone else, which can lead to mechanical damage.

If the switch isn't functioning there are some things you can try before calling a locksmith. First, you'll want to make sure the battery is charged and that there are no other electrical issues within the system. You should also test the voltage of each component to determine if it's supplying adequate power. Once you've completed these steps, you'll be able to begin troubleshooting.

The ignition switch is easy to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, which is a round module that holds everything together. It's necessary to use a flathead and something long enough to insert the pin. You can employ anything from a paintbrush to a Kabob stick, but you should avoid anything brittle as it could cause damage to the hole.

If you're ready for the job, you'll need to take off any trim pieces covering the area around the ignition switch. After this, loosen and remove 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 that connect to it. Find out how to do it in the manual of your vehicle.

If the ignition switch isn't functioning, it's best to replace it by a professional. It is possible to replace it by disabling the steering column, which may trigger unintentional airbag deployment if done improperly. For this reason, it's best to have the locksmith in your area handle this for you.

2. Check the Wire

If you're unable to turn the ignition key or your car ignition barrel replacement near me won't start, your issue could be related to any number of parts of your car's ignition system. Understanding how the ignition system works can help you spot problems and make the necessary repairs.

The ignition switch is an electric switch with multiple poles that is controlled by the key. It has four positions, which include "off", "accessory", "run" and the "lock". If the switch is locked (which is usually marked by an red light) the ignition circuit is activated and it is not possible to start your vehicle.

To determine whether the ignition switch defective or if the ignition coil itself is bad, you need to do a quick electrical test using a voltmeter. If the ignition switch is running, the voltmeter should show approximately 12.6, If the voltage drops below that level, it's a sign there's an open circuit somewhere in the system. This could be the solenoid, battery, or the ignition coil.

Disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition switch to ensure that no other components interfere with the test. Then you should set the voltmeter in the resistance or continuity 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 voltage gauge shows "open" or does a new ignition switch require a new key not register any voltage then it's time to replace the switch.

If you're replacing the switch, be sure to use a new ignition cylinder as well as a high quality key cut to ensure that your car will run and start correctly. When you replace the switch, make sure not to touch the pins of the cylinder's ignition with your tools. Otherwise, they will become stuck and the engine won't be able to run. You'll have to take off the steering wheel as well as the gear selector in certain vehicles to access the ignition cylinder. This can be a challenge, and it is not recommended until you have an owner’s manual that says it's safe. If you do not then you could cause severe damage to your steering column and the shift mechanism.

3. Check the Cylinder

If you've worked your way through the wiring, battery and ignition switch and still you can't get your car start, it could be time to examine the cylinder. It's the part that holds your key and is connected to the steering wheel lock to ensure that thieves can't drive the car without a key.

If your cylinder is beginning to wear out, you may find that the key doesn't turn. Sometimes, the pins inside the cylinder are stuck as they adapt to the shape of your key, which could cause your car key ignition replacement near me not to start. Or, the cylinder might be loose, but a tap with the tack hammer may help to free it. Be careful not mixing up the springs and ensure that your key is properly inserted.

If you need to jiggle and move your key around before it will begin, this is another sign that your cylinder has been damaged. This is a red flag and needs to be fixed immediately, since it will continue to get worse as time passes.

To test the cylinder, you'll need to unplug your battery and 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 cylinder lock repair switch lying around, it's 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 connect the wiring to secure it, then reattach the panels and covers that you removed.

4. Check the Spark Plugs

The spark plug is the last link in your ignition system chain. The engine won't run when the spark plug is broken. It can be that your vehicle won't start at all or will run badly. In either case, it is likely that one of several factors are hindering or blocking the flow of electricity across spark plug gaps, which ignites the air and fuel mixture in your engine.

Be sure to use gloves and protective tools before working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs can be extremely hot and cause serious injuries if touched by hands without gloves.

If a spark plug goes bad, you might notice that the tip of the central electrode has a light gray or brown substance on it. The electrode could also have an opaque coating. These deposits or fouling can stop high-voltage electrical current from jumping across the gap between your spark plug and igniting an engine.

If you suspect that your spark plugs are to blame You can test them by taking them from their tube inside the ignition coil. This can be accomplished by disconnecting the coil as well as the plug wire. After that, you'll have to follow the proper procedure for your car ignition barrel replacement to remove the components that cover the plugs. After removing the plugs, place them on a surface that is grounded. Then begin the engine. If they're good, you should see a bright blue spark extending across the gap at the tip of the central electrode.

If you don't see any spark, you've identified the problem. Next, you'll need to go backwards through the chain of ignition and test each component until the spark plugs aren't working. It's important to remember that all systems wear down and break over time, and this is especially true of ignition systems. That said, routine maintenance can slow the process down and avoid a major problem at the worst moment.