15 Reasons Not To Ignore Car Ignition Switch Common Causes of Faulty Ignition Switches

The ignition switch is the main source of power for your car's engine and its accessories. They also determine whether the key in your car is in the on or off position.

Keep any extra keys, keepsakes and other items on a chain apart from the key of your car to avoid issues with the ignition switch. This will lessen the mechanical strain on your car's key cylinder.

How the Ignition Switch works

The ignition switch is at the core of your car. The ignition switch is the first component you use to start your vehicle, so you don't want it to be defective. It is therefore important to repair the ignition switch or replaced as soon as there are any signs of trouble.

The main purpose of the ignition switch is to provide the initial power to other systems in your vehicle, such as radio, accessories and windows. The ignition switch is also responsible for activating the starter motor and engine when the key is turned to the 'on' position.

In locksmith ignition replacement cost for the ignition system to work, there must be spark that ignites the air and fuel in the engine of your vehicle to begin. The spark is produced by the ignition coil, which creates an electrical field around the rotor when current passes through it. When the rotor spins the magnetic field grows, and then the ignition spark is released. The spark will turn the pistons of your engine, sparking them and triggering it.

The ignition switch controls the electrical current that runs through the secondary and primary circuits of your ignition system. When the switch is in the "on" position the battery is able to send low voltage current to the primary windings as well as the breaker points of your ignition coil. This creates an electric field that could spin the rotor and ignite the spark plugs of your car which then heat up the engine.

When the ignition switch is turned on "start" the primary and secondary circuits will be shut off. The electrical connection between terminals of the distributor cap and the rotor is broken when they turn. This stops the secondary flow and completes the circuit. The breaker points will close and ignite the spark plug. This will ignite the engine within a matter of seconds.

Remember that the ignition switch can be a delicate piece of equipment that should not undergo too much force when it is turned. If you exert too much force, the switch can fail, and you'll need an expert to take it off to repair it.

Common Ignition switch problems

It is crucial to keep the ignition switch in good working order since it is the first point of access to vehicle power. A malfunctioning ignition switch can lead to numerous car issues, making it difficult for you to drive your vehicle or use your preferred accessories. Understanding the causes that are common to malfunctioning ignition switches is the first step in diagnosing and fixing your car's problems.

If you're having difficulty turning the key, it could be a sign the ignition switch isn't working. In most cases, this means that you have to jiggle or try multiple times to get the key to turn. This is caused by internal wear and tear or other damages to the ignition switch.

Heavy Keychains

The weight of a keychain filled that contains a multitude of keys, key fobs and other accessories can put additional stress on the ignition switch when you insert the key. This could cause the ignition switch to overheat, which can accelerate its wear and degrading. Extreme TemperaturesHarsh climates can negatively impact the materials and lubricants used in the ignition switch, speeding up its degrading process over time. The environmental contaminants and moisture can affect the switches internal components. This could lead to poor connectivity.

Manufacturing Defects

Some ignition switches may have flaws or defects in their design, which can result in premature wear and damage. This can occur because of poor materials, assembly errors, or other factors.

One customer brought their vehicle to our shop after their radio and dashboard light stopped working. We discovered that the ignition switch was not longer provided power to the accessories. This is an issue because the ignition switch is supposed to supply power to the accessory's position and crank position when it's turned on.

Another problem with the ignition switch is that the key gets stuck within it. This is typically a sign that the ignition switch has damaged or worn out, and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will employ tools like a piler or hacksaw blade to remove the key from the ignition.

Ignition Switch Replacement

The ignition switch transmits signals to activate important vehicle systems. It can cause your car to stop starting and impact other electrical components. It is essential to get it replaced when you spot any signs of trouble, for example, the key becoming difficult to turn or not turning at all.

It is possible to replace the switch yourself, however you need to be very careful. You'll be working with a very delicate piece of machinery and it's best to have a professional handle this job to ensure that you don't get trapped in traffic or causing a major accident.

If your switch is not working, it may be due to a worn-out contact point or an ineffective connector. A long or heavy keyring could also wear out the cylinder and switch, eventually causing it to break off from the cylinder.

If the ignition switch is malfunctioning you'll notice that it requires more effort to turn the key, and, often, nothing happens when you do. This is a sign it's time to replace the switch However, the majority of people ignore it and continue to jiggle the key to start their cars.


Depending on the model and brand of your vehicle, replacing the ignition switch can be simple or difficult. In the majority of instances, a technician must take off the cover for the steering column and disconnect the switch from the cylinder. The technician will then detach the old switch and replace it with a new one. After that the mechanic will re-connect the electrical connections and then test the switch to ensure it's functioning properly.

Certain vehicles have an anti-theft system that requires a special key to activate it which means that the switch will need to be programmed to accept a brand new key when the switch is replaced. It's important to note that this isn't the case for all vehicles, since even older models can be operated with an ordinary key if the ignition switch isn't working. However, most modern cars require a special "chipped" key to start them, so the switch must be replaced when the key does too.

Ignition Switch Repair

The ignition switch is responsible of turning the power off and on to the starter, accessories, and powertrain components of your vehicle. The ignition switch is the direct connection that sends power to all these components. If it fails, your car could lose power in numerous places. Therefore, you should pay attention to any signs that suggest your ignition switch might require repair or replacement.

One of the first signs that your ignition switch is malfunctioning is when you start having difficulty turning your key into the ignition. If you are struggling to turn the ignition, it's an indication that the wafers in the ignition switch are wearing out. This could be due to wear and wear or environmental factors such as dirt, dust or corrosion.

A common problem is a stalling engine when driving. This is due to the ignition not being able to provide enough power to the engine. It can be frustrating for drivers and even risky. It is best to go to your local auto repair shop as soon as you notice any problems with your ignition switch or lock cylinder.

The accessory relays might not be functioning too This is a further indication that the ignition switch has failed. You might also notice that the dashboard lights flickering.

If you suspect your ignition switch may be bad, remove the trim around the dash and steering wheel. This will let you gain access to the ignition switch that is mounted on a circular module on the top of the steering column or inside the center console.

The screws that hold the module need to be removed, and the wire connectors will need to be removed using the help of a screwdriver. Then, you can take out the old ignition switch and replace it with a new one. Before reassembling your car test the ignition switch by turning the key to ON and then START positions. It is also recommended to reconnect the battery and ensure that your accessories are working.