13 Things About Fix Car Ignition You May Not Know
How to Fix Car Ignition Problems
The car won't start until the ignition switch is sending an electrical signal to the starter motor. Over time, normal wear and tear can cause the switch to fail.
Utilizing specially designed tools, you can remove the trim on your steering column and access the ignition cylinder module. Consult your repair manual to learn how to do it correctly.
1. Make sure to check the Switch
A defective switch is one of the most frequently encountered ignition issues. It acts as an intermediary between two contacts, regulating when relays activate and deactivate. It is less likely to fail due to the fact that it does not channel the full power from devices such as the starter. However, it's still possible for the switch to get damaged or corrosion-prone.
One sign of a damaged switch is a difficulty turning the key. This can be due to many factors that include the wrong way to insert a key, or deteriorating the mechanism over time. It's also common for people to misplace their keys to their car with those of another's, which could cause mechanical damage.
Before contacting a locksmith, you may try a few options. You'll first want to ensure that the battery is fully charged and there are no electrical issues within the system. Also, you should test the voltage of each component to see if they're supplying adequate power. After you've completed these steps, you can begin troubleshooting.
The ignition switch is simple to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, a round module that connects everything. To replace it, you'll require an flathead screwdriver as well as something long enough to press the pin into. This can be anything from an artist's brush to a kabob skewer, but you should avoid using any brittle material that could break inside the hole.
Once you're ready to complete the job, you'll need to take away any trim pieces that cover the area around the ignition switch. After taking off the trim pieces, remove any screws that are holding the switch in position. Then, carefully remove it. Depending on the model, you might also have to unplug any wires that connect to it. Find out how to do this in the instruction manual for your vehicle.
It is recommended to have the ignition switch replaced by an expert if it doesn't work. It's not easy to replace the ignition switch without disabling your steering column. This could result in the unintentional airbag deployment when you don't do it correctly. It is best to let your local locksmith take care of this.
2. Check the Wiring
If you're unable to turn the key in the ignition or your car isn't starting, your issue could be related to any number of parts of your car's ignition system. It's crucial to understand how the ignition system functions so that you can pinpoint issues and make the appropriate repairs.
The ignition switch is a low voltage multi-pole electrical switch that can be turned by the key. It has four positions: off, accessory, run and "lock." If the switch is in the lock position (which typically has the red indicator), the ignition circuit is active and it is not possible to start the engine.
You can use a voltmeter to quickly test the ignition switch or coil. The voltmeter should read around 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the running position. If the voltage is below that, there is an open circuit somewhere within the system. This could be at the solenoid, the battery or even the ignition coil itself.
Connect the electrical connector to the ignition switch to ensure that no other components can interfere with your test. Then you should set the voltmeter in the resistance or continuity mode and put one lead on one of the ignition switch terminals. The other lead should be connected to the positive terminal of the battery. If the voltmeter shows "open" or does not show any voltage, you must replace the switch.
When you're replacing the switch, make certain to use a new ignition cylinder as well as a high quality key cut to ensure that your car will start and run correctly. Also, when replacing the ignition switch, be careful not to strike the pins of the ignition cylinder with your tools, or they'll get stuck and your engine will not start. In some vehicles, you'll need remove the steering column and gear selector to access the ignition cylinder. This can be a challenge and shouldn't be done unless you have an owner's guideline that says that it is safe to do so. If you do not you could cause irreparable 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 inspect the cylinder. It's the part that holds your key and is mechanically connected to the lock on the steering wheel so that a potential thief cannot control the car without keys.
You may observe that your key will not rotate if the cylinder is worn out. Sometimes, the pins inside the cylinder become stuck as they adapt to the shape of the key, which may cause your car to not start. Or, the cylinder might be shaky, but a tap with the tack hammer may assist in releasing it. Just be careful not to crush the springs within and make sure that your key is correctly inserted before tapping.
Another sign that your cylinder is in trouble is when you need to jiggle the key and try multiple positions before it begins. This is a bad sign and must be addressed immediately as it will only get worse over time.
To examine the cylinder, you'll need to take off the cover for the steering wheel and disconnect the battery. The old ignition switch should be simple to remove, as should the metal ignition cylinder. If you don't own an extra switch, you might be able to bring your original ignition cylinder as well as switch to locksmiths for reuse as long they're in good shape. After replacing the ignition switch and cylinder make sure to reconnect the wiring and secure it before reattaching the panels and covers that you removed.
4. Check the Spark Plugs
The spark plug is the final link in your ignition chain. When it is damaged it will stop the engine from running. This could take the form of your car not starting at all, or may start but not run well. In either case, the cause is likely to be one of a few things that hinder or prevent electricity from jumping across the spark plug gap, which allows your engine's gas and fuel mixture.
Be sure to use protective tools and gloves before working with your spark plugs. ignition cylinder lock repair can be hot and cause serious injury if you touch them with your naked skin.
You may notice a light brown or gray residue on the tip of the electrode if the spark plug is defective. The electrode could also be covered with an opaque coating. These deposits, or corrosion, can prevent high-voltage electrical current from crossing the spark plug gap and sparking your engine.
If you suspect your spark plugs may be the culprit, you can test them if you remove them from their tube inside the ignition coil. This can be done by disconnecting the coil as well as the plug wire. Then, you will need to follow the correct procedure for your vehicle to remove the components that cover the plugs. Once you have removed the plugs you can place them on a grounded metal surface and then crank the engine. If they're good you should see a bright blue spark across the gap between the tip of the central electrode.
If you don't see a spark you have identified the problem. The next step is to go backwards through the ignition chain and check each component until the spark plugs aren't working. All systems get older and eventually break 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.