The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Fix Car Ignition
How to Fix Car Ignition Problems
The car won't start unless the switch sends an electrical signal to the starter. Normal wear and tear over time may cause the switch to malfunction.
Utilizing specialized tools, you can take off the steering column trim and gain access to the ignition cylinder module. Check out your repair manual to learn how to do it correctly.
1. Make sure you check the Switch
One of the most frequently encountered ignition problems is a bad switch. It regulates the moment relays are activated, and deactivated by acting as bridge. Because it doesn't transmit the full power of devices like the starter, it's a less powerful component that is less likely to fail. The switch could still be damaged or corroded.
A defective switch can be identified by a difficult time turning the key. This can be caused by various reasons such as not inserting the correct key correctly or wearing down the mechanism over time. It's not common for people to mix their keys up with keys from someone else's. This can result in mechanical damage.
If the switch isn't functioning there are a few things you could try before calling a locksmith. First, you'll want to make sure the battery is charged and that there are no other electrical issues that could be affecting the system. You should also examine the voltage of each component to make sure they're supplying enough power. After you've completed these steps, you can begin troubleshooting.
Luckily, the ignition switch is pretty simple to replace. It is connected to the ignition module, a round piece of equipment that holds everything together. You'll need a flathead and something long enough to insert the pin. This could be anything from an artist's brush to a Kabob skewer. However, you should avoid using any brittle material that could break within the hole.
When you're ready to do the work, you'll have to take off any trim pieces that cover the area around the ignition switch. After taking off the trim pieces, remove any screws holding the switch in place. Then, gently remove it. Depending on the model you may need to disconnect the cables that connect to it. If you have a manual for your vehicle and model, it will show you exactly how to do it.
It is best to have the ignition switch replaced by a professional when it's not working. Replacing it can involve disabling the steering column, which could trigger an unintentional deployment of airbags if done improperly. For this reason, it's often best to have the locksmith in your area handle this for you.
2. Check the Wiring
Your car might not start if you cannot turn the key or it will not start. This could be due to a variety of components in the ignition system. Understanding how the ignition system functions will help you determine the cause of the problem and make the necessary repairs.
The ignition switch is a low voltage multi-pole electrical switch which is operated by a key. It includes four positions "off", "accessory", "run" and the "lock". If the switch is in the lock position (which typically has an indicator in red) the ignition circuit is active and it's not possible to start the engine.
To determine if the ignition switch is defective or if the ignition coil itself is bad, you have to conduct an electrical test with a Voltmeter. The voltmeter should be reading around 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the run position. If the voltage is lower than that then there is an open circuit within the system. This could be a solenoid, the battery or the ignition coil.
Disconnect the electrical connector so that it does not interfere with the test. Set the voltmeter in the continuity or resistance modes and connect 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 gauge shows "open" or doesn't register any voltage it's time to replace the switch.
When changing the switch, make sure to use a new ignition cylinder as well as a high quality key cut to ensure that your vehicle will run and start correctly. When you replace the switch, be sure not to hit the pins of the cylinder's ignition with your tools. Otherwise, they will become stuck and the engine won't run. You'll have to take off the steering wheel and the gear selector in certain vehicles to get access to 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 don't then you could cause irreparable 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 but cannot get your car to start, it might be time to look at the cylinder. It's the part that holds your key and is connected to the steering wheel lock so that a potential thief cannot steer the car without the key.
If your cylinder is beginning to wear out, you could be noticing that your key isn't able to turn. The pins of the cylinder may become stuck when they adapt to the shape of your key. This could cause your vehicle to not start. ignition lock repair may also be loose. A tap with the small tackhammer may aid. Be careful not to disturb the springs inside and ensure that the key is correctly inserted before tapping.
Another sign that your cylinder is in trouble is if you have to turn the key and test it in various positions before it begins. This is a bad sign, and it must be fixed immediately because it will get worse with time.
To test the cylinder, you'll have to disconnect your battery and remove the cover from your steering wheel until you are able to access the ignition module. You'll then be able to pull out the old ignition switch as well as the cylinder made of metal. If you don't own a spare switch, you may be able to bring your original ignition cylinder and switch to locksmiths for reuse so long they're in good shape. After replacing the switch and cylinder, be sure to reconnect the wiring harness, secure it in place and reattach any covers, or panels that you have removed.
4. Check the Spark Plugs
The spark plug is your ignition system's last link. The engine will not run when the spark plug is broken. It could be in the form of your car not starting at all, or it could start but run poorly. In either of these scenarios, it's likely that one of several things are hindering or preventing the flow of electricity across spark plug gaps, which then ignites the mixture of fuel and air within your engine.
Before you begin working on your spark plugs, be sure that you are working on a safe surface and employing protective gloves and tools to prevent being hit with. Spark plugs can get very hot and cause serious injuries if touched with bare hands.
When a spark plug is bad, you may observe that the edge of the central electrode has some light brown or gray substance on it. It could also have a black layer on the opposite side of the electrode. The deposits or fouling may stop high-voltage electrical current from jumping across the gap between your spark plug and igniting an engine.
If you suspect your spark plugs might be the culprit, you could test them by remove the plugs from their tube inside the ignition coil. This can be accomplished by disconnecting the coil as well as the plug wire. Then, you will be required to follow the correct procedure for your vehicle in order to remove the components that surround the plugs. After you have removed the plugs, place them on a surface that is grounded and start the engine. If they're functioning you should be able to see a strong blue spark at the tip of central electrode.
If you do not see a spark you have identified the problem. The next step is to go back through the ignition system chain, testing each component until you can determine what is stopping the spark plugs from performing their job. All systems get older and eventually break, and this is particularly applicable to ignition systems. But, regular maintenance can slow the process down and prevent a major problem at the worst moment.