10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Fix Car Ignition

How to Fix Car Ignition Problems

The car won't begin until the switch sends an electrical signal to the starter. Over time normal wear and tear could cause the switch to fail.

With the help of specialized tools, you can take off the trim on your steering column and gain access to the ignition cylinder module. Consult your repair manual to learn how to do it correctly.

1. Check the Switch

One of the most common van ignition repair problems is a bad switch. It acts as bridge between two contacts, controlling the time when relays are activated and deactivated. Since it doesn't channel the full power of devices such as the starter, it's a lighter-duty component that's less likely fail. It is still susceptible to being damaged or corroded.

One sign of a bad switch is difficulty turning the key. This could be due to many factors such as incorrectly inserting a key or the mechanism being worn out over time. It is also common for people to mistake their keys to their car with another's, which could lead to 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 examine the voltage of each component to ensure they are providing enough power. After you've completed these steps, it's now time to begin troubleshooting.

Fortunately the ignition switch is easy to replace. It is connected to the ignition module, a round component that connects everything. You'll need to use a flathead and a piece of material 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 that is brittle, as it can break into the hole.

When you're ready to do the work, you'll need to take away any trim pieces covering the area around the ignition switch. After you've removed the trim pieces take off any screws that hold the switch in place. Then carefully pull it out. Depending on the model, you might need to disconnect any cables connected to it. You can find out how to do it in the manual of your vehicle.

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

2. Check the Wiring

If you can't turn the ignition key or your car won't start, the issue could be due to any number of components in 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 an electrical switch that has multiple poles and is operated by the key. It has four positions that are off, accessory, run and "lock." When the switch is in the lock position (which usually has the red indicator), the ignition circuit is live and it is not possible to start the engine.

You can use a voltmeter to quickly test the ignition switch and ignition coil. The voltmeter should be reading around 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the running position. If the voltage drops below that level, it's a sign there's an open circuit somewhere 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. Then you should set the voltmeter in the continuity or resistance mode and put one lead on one of the terminals on the ignition switch. The other leads should go to the positive terminal on the battery. If the voltage meter reads "open" or does not register any voltage then it's time to replace the switch.

Use a brand new ignition key and a top-quality ignition cylinder when you replace the switch to ensure that your vehicle runs and Fix Car Ignition starts properly. When replacing the ignition switch, 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 have to remove the steering column and the gear selector in order to access the ignition cylinder. This can be difficult and isn't recommended until you have an owner’s manual that states it's safe. If you don't, it is possible to cause serious 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 you are still unable to get your car started it could be time to check the cylinder. The cylinder is the part which holds the key and is mechanically connected to the steering lock to ensure that burglars won't be able to drive the car if it's not there.

You may observe that your key will not turn if the cylinder is worn out. The pins in the cylinder may become stuck as they adapt to your key's shape. This can cause your car ignition key replacement to not start. The cylinder could also be sloppy. Tapping it with the small tackhammer may aid. Just be careful not to disturb the springs in the cylinder and ensure that your key is properly installed prior to tapping.

Another indication that your cylinder is in trouble is when you have to turn the key and try multiple positions before it starts. This is a sign of trouble and should be corrected right away because it will get worse over time.

To test the cylinder, you must remove the cover for the steering wheel and disconnect the battery. The old ignition switch should be easy to remove, as well as the metal ignition cylinder. If you don't have an additional ignition switch around, it's likely possible to take your original ignition switch and the cylinder to a locksmith in order to reuse them, as long as they're in good condition. After replacing the switch and cylinder, ensure that you reconnect the wiring harness, secure it in place and then reattach any covers or panels you've removed.

4. Check the Spark Plugs

The spark plug is the last link in your ignition system chain. If it fails it stops the engine from running. It can be that your car will not start at all or it will run badly. In either of these scenarios, it's likely that one or more things are preventing or impeding electrical current from crossing spark plug gaps, which ignites the mixture of fuel and air in your engine.

Be sure to use protective tools and gloves before you begin working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs are hot and can cause serious injury if you touch them with bare skin.

There may be a slight brown or gray residue on the edge of the electrode when the spark plug is defective. The electrode could also be covered with a dark layer. These deposits or fouling can stop high-voltage electrical current from crossing the gap between your spark plug, igniting an engine.

If you think that your spark plugs are to blame, you can test them by removing them from their tube inside the ignition coil. This can be accomplished by disconnection of the coil and the plug wire. Then, you will need to follow the correct procedure for your vehicle in order to remove the components that cover the plugs. After you have removed the plugs you can place them on a metal surface that is grounded and turn the engine. If they're good, you should see a strong blue spark across the gap in the middle of the central electrode.

If you aren't seeing a spark, you've found the problem. Next, you'll need to go backwards through the ignition chain and test each part until the spark plugs stop functioning. All systems get older and eventually break and this is especially relevant to ignition systems. Routine maintenance can help to slow down the process and avoid an issue at the worst possible time.