20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In Fix Car Ignition

How to Fix Car Ignition Problems

The car won't begin to start until the ignition switch transmits an electrical signal to the starter motor. Over time, normal wear and tear can cause the switch to fail.

You can remove the steering column trim with special tools to gain access to the ignition cylinder module. Check your repair manual for guidance on how to do this properly.

1. Make sure you check the Switch

A malfunctioning switch is one of the most frequent ignition problems. It functions as bridge between two contacts, regulating the relays' activation and deactivation. Since it doesn't transmit the full power of devices like the starter, it's a lighter-duty component that's less likely to fail. The switch could still be damaged or corrosion-prone.

One sign of a bad switch is the difficulty in turning the key. This can be caused by a number of factors such as incorrectly inserting a key or the mechanism being worn out over time. It's also common for people to mistake their car keys with the keys of someone else, which can lead to mechanical damage.

Before calling a locksmith you might want to try a few things. First, you'll need 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 every component to determine if they're capable of supplying enough power. After you've completed the above steps, you're ready to begin troubleshooting.

Fortunately the ignition switch is pretty easy to replace. It is connected to the ignition module, a round component that connects everything. To replace it, you'll need a flathead screwdriver and something that is long enough to push the pin inside. It could be anything from a paintbrush handle to a Kabob skewer, but you should stay clear of anything brittle that could break inside the hole.

If you're ready for the job, you'll need to take away any trim pieces covering the area around the ignition switch. After taking off the trim pieces, remove any screws that are holding the switch in place. Then, carefully take it off. Depending on the model you may have to cut off the cables that connect to it. You can learn how to do it in the instruction manual for your vehicle.

If the ignition switch isn't working it is recommended to have it replaced by a professional. It can be difficult to replace the ignition switch, without disabling your steering column. This could result in the unintentional airbag being deployed if you do it incorrectly. For this reason, it's often best to have your local locksmith handle this for you.

2. Check the Wire

The car may not start if you cannot turn the key or it won't start. This could be due a variety of components in the ignition system. It is important to know how the ignition system functions to identify issues and make the appropriate repairs.

The ignition switch is an electric switch that has multiple poles and is operated by the key. It has four positions: off, accessory, run and "lock." If the switch is locked (which is typically marked by the red light), the ignition circuit is active and it is inaccessible to start your vehicle.

To determine if the ignition switch is defective or if the ignition coil is faulty, you'll need to do a quick electrical test using an voltage meter. The voltmeter should read approximately 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the running position. If the voltage falls below that, it means there's an open circuit within the system. This could be at the battery, the solenoid or at the ignition coil itself.

Connect the electrical connector to ensure that it doesn't interfere with the test. Then, set the voltmeter to the continuity or resistance mode and put one lead on one of the terminals on the ignition switch. The other lead should go to the positive terminal of the battery. If the voltmeter reads "open" or does not register any voltage, it's time to replace the switch.

When changing the switch, make sure to use a brand new ignition cylinder as well as a high quality key cut to ensure that your vehicle will start and run properly. Also, when replacing the ignition key won't turn switch, be cautious not to touch the ignition cylinder pins 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 difficult and shouldn't be done unless you have an owner's manual that states it's safe to do so. If you don't then you could cause severe damage to your steering column and the shift mechanism.

3. Check the Cylinder

If you have tried the battery, the wiring and the ignition switch but still can't get your car ignition replacement started, it may be time to examine the cylinder. The cylinder is the component which holds the key and is mechanically attached to the steering lock to ensure that burglars won't be able to drive the car if it's not there.

You may notice that your key will not turn if the cylinder is worn out. The pins inside the cylinder may become stuck as they adjust to the shape of your key. This could cause your vehicle to not start. Alternatively, the cylinder may be shaky, but a tap with the tack hammer may assist in releasing it. Just be careful not to disturb the springs in the cylinder and ensure that the key is correctly installed prior to tapping.

Another sign that your cylinder is in trouble is when you need to move the key around and test it in various positions before it starts. This is a sign of trouble and must be fixed immediately as it will only get worse over time.

To examine the cylinder you'll need to disconnect your battery and take off the cover from your steering wheel until you're able to access the ignition module. The old ignition switch should be simple to remove, as should the cylinder made of steel. If you don't own a spare switch, you may be able to bring 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 reconnect the wiring to secure it, then reattach the panels and covers that were removed.

4. Check the Spark Plugs

The spark plug is your ignition system's last link. When it breaks, the engine can't run. It could be in the form of your car ignition switch not starting at all, or it may start but run poorly. In either case, it's likely that one of several factors are hindering or blocking electrical current from crossing spark plug gaps, which in turn ignites the mixture of fuel and air in your engine.

Before you begin working on your spark plugs, make sure that you are working on a safe surface and employing protective gloves and tools to prevent getting struck. Spark plugs are hot and can cause serious injury when you touch them with bare skin.

If a spark plug goes bad, you may notice that the tip of the central electrode has a slight brown or gray substance on it. It may also have a black layer on the sides of the electrode. These deposits, also known as fouling, may prevent high-voltage electrical current from crossing the gap between the spark plug and igniting your engine.

If you suspect that your spark plugs may be to blame you can test them by taking the plugs from their tube in the ignition coil. This can be done by disconnection of the coil and the plug wire. Then, you'll have to follow the proper 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 surface that is grounded and turn the engine. If they are working, you should see a bright blue spark on the point of the central electrode.

If you do not see a spark you have found the issue. The next step is to go backwards through the chain of ignition and test each component until the spark plugs stop functioning. It is important to keep in mind that all systems wear down and break over time and this is particularly true of ignition systems. That said, routine maintenance can to slow down the process and prevent a major problem at the worst moment.