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How to Fix Car Ignition Problems

The car will not start unless the switch transmits 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 remove your steering column trim and access the ignition cylinder module. Check out your repair manual to learn how to do it right.

1. Make sure you check the Switch

A bad switch is among the most frequently encountered ignition issues. It acts as a bridge between two contacts, and controls 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. The switch could still be damaged or corroded.

A malfunctioning switch is recognized by a slow time turning the key. This can be due to a number of factors, including not inserting the correct key correctly or the mechanism being worn out over time. It's also common for people to mistake their keys to their car with someone else's, which can lead to mechanical damage.

If the switch isn't working there are some things you can try before calling a locksmith. First, make sure that the battery is fully charged and there aren't any electrical issues with the system. Also, you should check the voltage of every component to make sure they're supplying enough power. After you've completed these steps, it's time to start troubleshooting.

Fortunately, the ignition switch is pretty easy to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, which is a round module that holds everything together. To replace it, you'll require an flathead screwdriver as well as something long enough to press the pin inside. It could be anything from a paintbrush handle to a Kabob skewer. However, you should avoid using anything brittle that could break within the hole.

Remove car ignition lock trimming pieces that are covering the area around the switch when you are ready to go. After that remove and loosen the screws that hold the switch in place, and then carefully pull it out. Depending on the model, you may also have to unplug any wires that connect to it. You can find out how to do this in the instruction manual for your vehicle.

It is best to have the ignition switch replaced by a professional when it's not working. It's difficult to replace the ignition switch without disabling the steering column. This could lead to the unintentional airbag deployment in the event that you don't do it correctly. It is best to leave it to your local locksmith to take care of this.

2. Check the Wire

If you're unable to turn the ignition key or your car won't start, your issue could be related to any number of components in your car's ignition system. It's important to understand how the ignition system functions to identify problems and make the right repairs.

The ignition switch is an electric switch that has multiple poles and is operated by a key. It has four positions including off, accessory, run and "lock." If the switch is in the lock position (which usually has an indicator in red) the ignition circuit is active and it is not possible to start the engine.

To determine whether the ignition switch is defective or if the ignition coil is bad, you have to conduct an electrical test using an Voltmeter. The voltmeter should be reading around 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the run position. If the voltage falls below that then there is an open circuit somewhere within the system. It could be the solenoid, the battery or the ignition coil.

Connect the electrical connector to the ignition switch to ensure no other components interfere with the test. Set the voltmeter on the continuity or resistance modes and then place 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 voltmeter shows "open" or fails to detect any voltage, it is recommended to replace the switch.





Make sure you use a new ignition key and high-quality ignition cylinder when replacing the switch to ensure that your vehicle is running and starts correctly. When you replace the switch, be sure not to strike the pins of the ignition cylinder with your tools. Otherwise, they will become stuck and the engine will not run. You'll have to take off the steering wheel and the gear selector in certain vehicles to gain access to the ignition cylinder. This can be a challenge and shouldn't be done unless you have an owner's manual that indicates that it is safe to do so. If you do not you could cause serious damage to your steering column and shift mechanism.

3. Check the Cylinder

If you have tried the battery, the wiring, and the ignition switch, but still cannot start your car It could be time to check the cylinder. The cylinder is the piece that holds the key and is mechanically linked to the steering lock so that burglars won't be able to drive the car if it's not there.

You may observe that your key will not rotate if the cylinder is worn out. Sometimes, the pins within the cylinder get stuck when they adjust to the shape of the key, which can cause your car not to start. Or, the cylinder might be loose however a tap using the tack hammer may assist in releasing it. Be careful not to mix with the springs and ensure that your key is correctly installed.

If you are required to jiggle and move your key before it will begin, this is another sign that your cylinder has gone bad. This is a bad sign, and it must be fixed immediately because it will get worse with time.

To examine the cylinder, you will need to remove the cover on the steering wheel and disconnect the battery. The old ignition switch should be simple to remove, as well as the metal ignition cylinder. If you don't have an extra switch, you might be able to take the original ignition cylinder and switch to a locksmith for reuse as long as they're in good condition. After replacing the ignition switch and cylinder, ensure that you connect the wiring to secure it, then reattach the panels and covers that you removed.

4. Check Spark Plugs

The spark plug is the last link in your ignition chain. The engine cannot run when the spark plug is broken. It could be that your car will not start at all or will run poorly. In either of these scenarios, it's likely that one of several things are preventing or impeding the flow of electricity across spark plug gaps, which in turn ignites the fuel mixture and air in your engine.

Before you begin working on your spark plugs, make sure that you work on a safe surface and using gloves and tools that are protected to avoid getting hit with. Spark plugs can be very hot and could cause serious injuries if they are touched with bare hands.

If a spark plug goes bad, you may notice that the tip of the central electrode has a slight brown or gray residue on it. The electrode may also have an opaque coating. These deposits, also known as fouling, can stop high-voltage electricity from jumping across the spark plug gap and igniting your engine.

If you think that your spark plugs may be to blame, you can test them by removing them from their tube in the ignition coil. This can be done by disconnecting the coil from the plug wire, and following the correct procedure for your car to remove any components that are covering the spark plugs. Once you have removed the plugs you can place them on a grounded metal surface and then crank the engine. If they are working you should see an intense blue spark near the tip of central electrode.

If you don't see a spark, you have found the problem. Next, you'll need to go backwards through the chain of ignition and check each component until the spark plugs are no longer working. All systems will wear out and eventually fail and this is especially relevant to ignition systems. Regular maintenance can reduce the time it takes to repair and avoid a major headache in the worst case.