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Warning Signs That Your Vehicle Needs Ignition Repair
A jammed ignition could be a major pain. You could be stuck in your vehicle and not able to drive it.
Lubricating your ignition can prevent it from getting stuck. This will help release any minor damage that may have occurred to the lock-wafers, and help you get your car back on the road.
Signs and symptoms
It is located on the steering column or dash area The ignition switch is located on the steering column or dash area. It supplies the electrical systems and activates its starter. In time, as a result of normal wear and tear as well as environmental conditions the switch could become faulty or stop working completely. It's important to know the warning signs that indicate a failing switch and take your vehicle in to be repaired before it becomes a more serious problem.
The first sign is that you have difficulty getting your car started. If you struggle to turn your key or it refuses to get into the ignition cylinder, it is typically due to excessive wear and tear on the internal cylinder or damage to the ignition switch. Use a lighter keychain to reduce stress on the ignition switch. Avoid jiggling or pulling the key, and try not to turn it too quickly.
Electrical issues could also be a sign of a failing switch, including problems with your radio, or other devices, when you turn on the ignition, such flickering lights and intermittently shutting down. This is likely to be the result of an electrical overcharge in the ignition switch. It's a sign that you should have it checked out by a professional.
If your vehicle's power steering or seats don't work when you turn the key, this could be an indication of an issue with the ignition switch. This could be due to the internal contacts not supplying the required power, or an absence of current that prevents them from functioning. It could be that the ignition switch is dirty or damaged. This can be fixed by spraying it with WD-40 which is a specific cleaning agent.
A malfunctioning ignition may cause the motor to keep running even after the key is removed from the cylinder. This is a dangerous situation that should be corrected as soon as is possible. This issue might be more difficult to identify if your car has remote starter system. It is possible that you need to take off the steering wheel in order to access the ignition cylinder. Using a specialised tool to remove the steering wheel will allow you safely disconnect the battery and open the ignition cylinder.
Causes
The ignition switch wears out over time. However, poor use or neglect can speed up this process. Repairs or replacements of the ignition switch could be required depending on the cause.
The ignition key is sticky or difficult to turn
A key that is hard to turn is a clear sign that the ignition switch might be malfunctioning. It is usually caused by the accumulation of water or dirt inside the ignition housing. This can lead to misalignment.
Regularly checking the ignition switch will help to prevent this problem from occurring. If you notice any issues it is important to be able to address them right away to prevent the issue from getting worse.
Electrical Problems
A faulty ignition switch can cause electrical issues in the vehicle, such as malfunctioning dashboard lights or accessories. The ignition switch controls the power to these parts and systems.
Stalling While Driving
A malfunctioning ignition switch may occasionally cause the engine stop while driving. This is especially dangerous when driving at a high speed or in traffic.
Problems with ignition lock cylinders
An ignition lock cylinder is the component that holds the key and reads the anti-theft code to allow the vehicle to start. This mechanical component may wear out over time. It could be damaged if the ignition switch or steering column is damaged.
Wires and Spark Plugs
Spark plugs and wires are required to start the engine. They need to be in good working condition to ensure that the engine starts when you turn the ignition. Wires and spark plugs that are damaged can cause a difficult to start vehicle and can cause your ignition system to malfunction completely.
All things wear out with time, but routine maintenance and careful use can extend the life of an ignition switch and other vehicle components. In the event of a problem, failing to fix it with your ignition switch could put you and others at risk of serious injury or death. To avoid a potentially dangerous situation, take safety precautions to turn off the battery and disconnect the wire from the ignition switch prior to doing any work on it.
Repair Options
Many people find their car stuck in a certain position because the ignition switch doesn't turn. This issue is easily fixable with the right tools. Repairing the ignition switch or replace it entirely. You can make the decision however you'll need to weigh up the costs.
Failures of ignition switches can be caused by a range of factors, such as damaged springs or defective contact points. Electrical and temperature issues could also affect the switch. In these instances, replacing the ignition switch could be the best choice. Avoid forcing a key in or out of the lock as this could cause further damage to the ignition.
There are several steps involved in repairing an ignition switch, and it is important to consult a professional for help. The first step in most cases is to disconnect the battery. Once the battery is disconnected, you can take off the plastic covers that protect the ignition switch as well as the ignition cylinder. It is essential to use the correct removal tool and refer to a vehicle's repair manual when doing this. Once the plastic covers are removed the ignition switch can be removed and replaced.
The ignition cylinder may also be damaged when the ignition switch fails. This is a common problem in older cars and the cylinder can be replaced or repaired by a locksmith or dealer. The cylinder could also be damaged due to extreme wear and tear or an accident.
It is crucial to remember that in the event that the ignition switch is not functioning properly the key may also be broken or bent. If this is the case, a new master key may be needed to ensure that the ignition system can recognize it.
In some instances, the best solution is to replace the ignition switch or lock cylinder. A replacement is likely to solve all the issues that are preventing the ignition system from getting the engine started. This is a cheaper alternative to repairing the ignition system.
Cost
Ignition coils are an essential element of your vehicle's ignition system and their failure can have serious consequences. A malfunctioning ignition system can cause the engine not to start or turn, regardless of whether it's due to corrosion or wear and tear. If this happens the mechanic will have to replace the ignition coil, which can cost anywhere from $150 to $350.
Technicians can accomplish this task in various ways, with the final cost determined by the model and make of your vehicle and its age. In this link , replacing an ignition is the cheapest solution, whereas replacing a lock-cylinder or key may be more expensive.
A mobile mechanic will typically take about an hour to replace the ignition switch. This repair involves removing the steering wheel, removing the battery, and removing any trim pieces that cover the switch to reach it. On older vehicles, this may also require a steering wheel puller or a locking pin remover, both of which can be rented from most auto parts stores. The old ignition switch will be removed and a new one installed. The electrical connector is then connected. The new ignition key cylinder is then inserted, and the locking tab is secured in place. Finally, any trim panels that were removed will be put back in place.
On the other hand, replacing a lock key and cylinder could take between two and three hours. The task is more complex than simply removing the switch, and will typically involve replacing the ignition control module, car battery, or starter motor, which can be up to $1000 or more in total parts costs. It is also likely to require a new key cylinder, and it's best to have a master key created by a locksmith instead of using a duplicate that was made by the dealer.
It is worth the extra cost of an experienced mechanic to complete this kind of work because DIY repairs may come with hidden costs. A reliable mechanic will be able to steer clear of these problems, which will save you time and money in the long in the long.
