5 Laws That Will Help The Fix Car Ignition Industry 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. Normal wear and tear over time may result in the switch not functioning properly.

Using specially designed tools, you are able to remove your steering column trim and gain access to the ignition cylinder module. Check your repair manual for instructions on how to do this correctly.

1. Make sure to check the Switch

A malfunctioning switch is among the most frequently encountered ignition issues. It acts as a bridge between two contacts, controlling when relays activate and deactivate. It is less likely to fail because it does not channel full power from devices such as the starter. However, it's still possible for the switch to be damaged or corroded.

One indication of a defective switch is difficulty turning the key. This could be due to many things, including incorrectly inserting the key or deteriorating the mechanism over time. It's also common for people to mistake their keys to their car with the keys of someone else, 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 within the system. You should also verify the voltage of every component to ensure they are sufficient power. Once you've completed these steps, you're ready to start troubleshooting.

The ignition switch is easy to replace. It is connected to the ignition module, which is a round component that holds everything together. It's necessary 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 you should avoid anything brittle as it could cause damage to the hole.

When you're ready to do the work, you'll need to take off any trim pieces that cover the area around the ignition switch. After you've removed the trim pieces remove any screws holding the switch in place. Then, carefully take car ignition key replacement off. Depending on the model, you may also have to unplug the wires that connect to it. You can find out how to do it in the instruction manual for your vehicle.

If the ignition switch isn't working it's recommended to have it replaced by a professional. It can be difficult to replace the ignition switch without removing the steering column. This could result in an unintentional deployment of airbags in the event that you don't do it correctly. Therefore, it's often best to have your locksmith take care of this for you.

2. Verify the Wire


Your car may not start if you cannot turn the key or it won't start. This could be due a number components in the ignition system. It's important to understand how the ignition system works to identify issues and make the appropriate repairs.

The ignition switch is an electric switch that has multiple poles and is operated by the key. It has four positions that are off run, accessory, and "lock." When the switch is locked (which is usually shown by the red light), the ignition circuit is activated and it is impossible to start your car.

To determine if the ignition switch is damaged or if the ignition coil is bad, you need to do a quick electrical test using an 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 then there is an open circuit within the system. This could be at the battery, the solenoid or at the ignition coil itself.

Remove the electrical connector from the ignition switch to ensure that no other components can interfere with the test. Set the voltmeter to the resistance or continuity modes and then 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 voltage meter reads "open" or does not register any voltage then it's time to replace the switch.

When replacing the switch, make sure to use a new ignition cylinder and a good quality key cut to ensure that your car will run and start correctly. When you replace the switch, ensure not to hit the pins of the ignition cylinder using your tools. Otherwise, they'll become stuck and the engine won't be able to run. In certain vehicles, you'll need remove the steering column and the gear selector to get access to the ignition cylinder. This can be a challenge, and it is not recommended until you have an owner’s guideline that states it's safe. Otherwise, serious damage to the steering column or shifting mechanism is possible.

3. Check the Cylinder

If you have tried the battery, the wiring and the ignition switch but still cannot get your car to start, it may be time to inspect the cylinder. It's the part that holds your key and is connected to the steering wheel lock so a would-be thief can't drive the car without a key.

You might be noticing that your key does not turn if the cylinder has worn out. The pins of the cylinder could become stuck as they adjust to the shape of your key. This could cause your car to not start. Alternatively, the cylinder may be loose however a tap using a small tack hammer can assist in releasing it. Be sure not to mix with the springs and ensure that the key is correctly placed.

Another indication that your cylinder is going bad is if you have to jiggle the key and try different positions before it starts. This is a bad indication and should be corrected immediately, as it can only get worse over time.

To check the cylinder, you'll need to unplug your battery, and then remove the cover on your steering wheel until you are able to access the ignition module. You should then be able to pull out the old ignition switch as well as the metal ignition cylinder. If you don't have an additional ignition switch around, it's possible to take your original ignition switch and cylinder to a locksmith to reuse them as long as they are in good condition. After replacing the ignition switch and cylinder ensure that you reconnect the wiring, secure it and reattach the covers and panels were removed.

4. Check the Spark Plugs

The spark plug is your ignition system's last link. The engine cannot start when the spark plug is broken. This could take the form of your car not starting at all, or it could start but not run well. In any case, the root is likely to be one of a few things that prevent or impair electricity from jumping across the spark plug gap which ignites your engine's air and fuel mixture to start.

Before you begin working on your spark plugs, be sure that you are working on a safe surface and using gloves and tools that are protected to avoid being hit with. Spark plugs can be very hot and cause serious injuries if they are touched by hands without gloves.

If a spark plug goes bad, you might observe that the edge of the central electrode is covered with some light brown or gray substance on it. It could also have a black coating on the side of the electrode. These deposits or a build-up of fouling could stop high-voltage electrical current from jumping across the gap between your spark plug, igniting an engine.

If you suspect that your spark plugs could be to blame You can test them by taking them from their tube in the ignition coil. This can be accomplished by disconnecting the coil and the plug wire. After that, you'll have to follow the proper procedure for your vehicle to remove the components that surround the plugs. After you have removed the plugs you can place them on a metal surface that is grounded and crank the engine. If they're functioning you will see a bright blue spark on the tip of central electrode.

If you don't see any spark, you've identified the problem. Next, you'll need to go backwards through the ignition chain and check each component until the spark plugs are no longer functioning. It's important to remember that all systems wear out and break down over time, and this is especially applicable to ignition systems. That said, routine maintenance can slow the process down and avoid a major problem at the worst time.