14 Businesses Doing An Amazing Job At Fix Car Ignition
How to Fix Car Ignition Problems
The car won't begin to start until the ignition switch sends the electrical signal to the starter motor. Over time wear and tear may cause the switch to malfunction.
Using specially designed tools, you can take off the steering column trim and gain access to the ignition cylinder module. Refer to your repair manual for guidance on how to do this properly.
1. Make sure to check the Switch
A bad switch is one of the most frequent ignition problems. It controls when relays are activated and deactivated, acting as bridge. Since it doesn't harness the full power of devices such as the starter, it's a less powerful component that is less likely to fail. It is still susceptible to being damaged or damaged or corroded.
A defective switch is recognized by a slow time turning the key. This could be due to many things, including not inserting the key correctly or wearing out the mechanism over time. It's not common to see people confuse their keys with someone else's. This can cause mechanical damage.
Before calling a auto locksmith ignition replacement you might want to try a few things. First, you'll need to ensure that the battery is fully charged and that there are no other electrical issues in the system. It is also important to check the voltage of each component to see if they're capable of supplying enough power. After you've completed these steps, you're ready to start troubleshooting.
The ignition switch is simple to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, a round module that holds everything together. You'll need a flathead and a piece of material that is long enough to push the pin into. You can employ anything from a paintbrush, to a Kabob stick, but you should avoid anything that is hard as it could break into the hole.
When you're ready to do the job, you'll need to remove any trim pieces covering the area around the ignition switch. After that, loosen and remove any screws that keep the switch in place and then gently remove it. Depending on the model you may need to disconnect any cables connected to it. If you have a manual for the vehicle you own, this will tell you exactly how to do this.
It is recommended to have the ignition switch replaced by an expert in the event that it isn't working. It's difficult to replace the ignition switch, without disabling your steering column. This could lead to an unintentional deployment of airbags in the event that you don't do it correctly. It is best to let your local locksmith take care of this.
2. Check the Wiring
If you are unable to turn the ignition key or your car isn't starting, your issue could be due to any number of components in your car's ignition system. Understanding how the ignition system works will help you identify problems and make the appropriate repairs.
The ignition switch is a low-voltage multi-pole electrical switch which is operated by a key. It has four positions, including "off", "accessory", "run" and the "lock". If the switch is in the lock position (which typically has a red indicator) the ignition circuit is in operation and it's impossible to start the engine.
To determine if the ignition switch is damaged or the ignition coil is faulty, you'll need to do a quick electrical test with a Voltmeter. When the ignition switch has been set to run and the voltmeter is reading around 12.6, If the voltage falls below that it indicates that there is an open circuit within the system. This could be the solenoid, battery or the ignition coil.
Remove the electrical connector from the ignition switch so that no other components 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 lead should be connected to the positive terminal of the battery. If the voltmeter shows "open" or fails to show any voltage, you must replace the switch.
Use a brand new ignition key and a top-quality ignition cylinder when you replace the switch to ensure your vehicle runs and 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 your engine will not start. In some vehicles, you'll have to remove the steering column and gear selector to get access to the ignition cylinder. This can be a challenge and is not recommended unless you have an owner's guideline that says it's safe to do so. If you do not, it is possible to cause irreparable damage to your steering column and the shift mechanism.
3. Check the Cylinder
If you've gone through the battery, wiring and ignition switch and still can't get your car key ignition Problems to start, it may be time to look at the cylinder. The cylinder is the piece that holds the key. It is mechanically linked to the steering lock so that a would-be burglar can't drive the car without it.
You might be noticing that your key does a new ignition switch require a new key 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. The cylinder could also be shaky, but a tap with a small tack hammer can help to free it. Just be careful not to crush the springs in the cylinder and ensure that your key is correctly placed before tapping.
If you have to jiggle and move the key before it can begin, it is a indication that your cylinder is gone bad. This is a red flag and needs to be fixed immediately, as it can only get worse over time.
To test the cylinder, you must remove the steering wheel cover 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 that you could take your original ignition switch and the cylinder to a locksmith in order to reuse them as long as they are in good condition. After replacing the switch and cylinder be sure to reconnect the wiring harness and secure it and then reattach any covers or panels you've removed.
4. Check the Spark Plugs
The spark plug is the final link in your ignition system 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 reason is likely to be one of several things that prevent or impair electricity from crossing the spark plug gap, which causes your engine's air and fuel mixture to run.
Make sure you wear protective tools and gloves before working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs are hot and can cause serious injuries when touched with bare skin.
When a spark plug goes bad, you may notice that the tip of the central electrode is covered with a slight brown or gray substance on it. The electrode may also have a dark coating. These deposits, also known as corrosion, can prevent high-voltage electrical current from crossing the gap between the spark plug and sparking your engine.
If you suspect your spark plugs might be the culprit, you could test them by remove the plugs from their tube inside the ignition coil. You can do this by disconnecting the coil from the plug wire, and following the appropriate procedure for your car to remove components that cover the spark plugs. Once you have removed the plugs, you can place them on a metal surface that is grounded and then crank the engine. If they're functioning, you should see a bright blue spark near the point of the central electrode.
If you don't detect a spark, you've identified the problem. The next step is to work back through the ignition chain, testing each element until you can determine what is stopping the spark plugs from performing their job. It's important to remember that all systems wear out and break down over time, and this is especially applicable to ignition systems. But, regular maintenance can slow the process down and prevent a major problem at the worst time.