14 Businesses Doing A Superb Job At Fix Car Ignition How to Fix Car Ignition Problems

The car won't start until the ignition switch transmits an electrical signal to the starter motor. G28 and tear over time can cause the switch malfunction.

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

1. Make sure you check the Switch


One of the most common ignition issues is a malfunctioning switch. It functions as bridge between two contacts, regulating the relays' activation and deactivation. It is less likely to fail because it does not channel the full power from devices such as the starter. However, it's still possible for the switch to get damaged or damaged or corroded.

A bad switch is recognized by a slow time turning the key. This can be caused by a variety of things, including improperly 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 cause mechanical damage.

Before calling a locksmith, you may try a few options. First, you must ensure that the battery is fully charged and that there are no electrical issues within the system. Also, you should check the voltage of each component to see if they're capable of supplying enough power. Once you've done these steps, it's time to begin troubleshooting.

The ignition switch is simple to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, which is a round module that holds everything together. You'll need an elongated flathead as well as something long enough for you to insert the pin. You can use anything from a paintbrush to kabob stick, but avoid anything brittle as it could cause damage to the hole.

Remove any trimming pieces that overhang the switch once you're ready to get started. After that, loosen and remove any screws that are holding the switch in place then gently remove it. Depending on the model you might need to disconnect the cables that connect to it. If you have a manual for the vehicle you own and model, it will show you exactly how to do this.

If the ignition switch isn't working it is recommended to have it replaced by professionals. It's difficult to replace the ignition switch, without disabling the steering column. This could lead to an accidental deployment of airbags if you do it incorrectly. Therefore, it's often 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 isn't starting, your problem could be related to any of the parts of 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 that can be operated by a key. It has four positions, including "off", "accessory", "run" and the "lock". When the switch is locked (which is usually indicated by the red light), the ignition circuit is active and it is inaccessible to start your car.

You can use a voltmeter to quickly test the ignition switch or ignition coil. When the ignition switch has been set to run and the voltmeter is reading about 12.6, If the voltage falls below that level, it's a sign there's an open circuit in the system. It could be the battery, solenoid, or the ignition coil.

Remove the electrical connector from the ignition switch to ensure there are no other components that could interfere with the test. Then you should set the voltmeter in the continuity or resistance mode and put one lead on one of the ignition switch terminals. 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.

If you're changing the switch, make certain to use a new ignition cylinder and a good quality key cut to ensure that your vehicle will run and start 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 will not start. In some vehicles, you'll need remove the steering column and the gear selector to get access to the ignition cylinder. This isn't easy and isn't recommended until you have a vehicle's owner's manual that states it's safe. If you don't you could cause irreparable damage to your steering column and the shift mechanism.

3. Check the Cylinder

If you've tried the battery, the wiring and the ignition switch, but still can't start your car, it may be time to check the cylinder. The cylinder is the part that holds the key. It is mechanically linked to the steering lock so that thieves can't drive the car if it's not there.

If your cylinder has started to wear out, you may find that the key doesn't turn. The pins of the cylinder can get stuck when they adapt to your key's shape. This could cause your car to not start. Or, the cylinder might be loose, but a tap with the tack hammer may aid in releasing it. Be sure not to mix up the springs and ensure that the key is correctly installed.

If you have to jiggle and move the key around before it will begin, it is a sign that your cylinder has become damaged. This is a bad sign, and it must be fixed immediately as it will only get worse with time.

To examine the cylinder, you will need to remove the cover on the steering wheel and disconnect the battery. You'll then be able to pull out the old ignition switch as well as the metal ignition cylinder. If you don't have an extra ignition switch lying around, it's likely possible to take your original ignition switch and cylinder to a locksmith to reuse them, as long as they're in good condition. After replacing the ignition switch and cylinder make sure to reconnect the wiring, secure it and reattach all covers and panels that you took off.

4. Check the Spark Plugs

The spark plug is the last link in your ignition chain. The engine will not start when the spark plug is broken. It can be that your car will not start at all or will run badly. In either case, the reason is likely to be one of a few things that hinder or prevent the flow of electricity across the spark plug gap which allows your engine's gas and fuel mixture to start.

Before you begin working on your spark plugs, make sure that you are working on a safe surface, using gloves and tools that are protected to keep from being hit with. Spark plugs can be extremely hot and cause serious injuries if touched with bare hands.

If a spark plug goes bad, you might observe that the edge of the central electrode has some light brown or gray substance on it. It may also have a black coating on the side of the electrode. These deposits or fouling can prevent high-voltage electrical current from crossing the gap of your spark plug and igniting an engine.

If you believe that your spark plugs could be at fault, you can test them by removing them from their tube inside the ignition coil. This can be done by disconnecting the coil from the plug wire, and following the proper procedure for your car to remove the components that cover the spark plugs. After removing the plugs, place them on a metal surface that is grounded and begin the engine. If they're good you will see a bright blue spark crossing the gap in the middle of the central electrode.

If you don't see a spark, you've discovered the problem. Next, you'll need to go backwards through the chain of ignition and check each component until the spark plugs stop functioning. All systems will get older and eventually break This is especially applicable to ignition systems. That said, routine maintenance can slow the process down and avoid a major headache at the worst possible moment.