How to fix car ignition (Bbki blog article) Problems

The car won't start until the ignition switch is sending an electrical signal to the starter motor. Over time wear and tear can cause the switch to malfunction.

You can remove the steering column trim using specially designed tools to gain access to the ignition cylinder module. Consult your repair manual to learn how to do it right.

1. Check the Switch

A defective switch is among the most frequently encountered ignition issues. It acts as a bridge between two contacts, and controls the time when relays are activated and deactivated. It is less likely to fail because it does not channel the full power of devices such as the starter. It is still susceptible to being damaged or damaged or corroded.

One sign of a bad switch is the difficulty in turning the key. This could be due to a variety of things that include not inserting the key correctly or deteriorating the mechanism over time. It's not uncommon for people to mix keys with keys from someone else's. This can cause mechanical damage.

If the switch isn't functioning there are a few things you could try before calling a auto locksmith ignition replacement. First, you'll want to make sure the battery is fully charged and there are no other electrical issues within the system. It is also important to verify the voltage of every component to make sure they're providing enough power. Once you've completed these steps, it's now time to begin troubleshooting.

Fortunately, the ignition switch is easy to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, which is a round module that connects everything. To replace it, you'll need an flathead screwdriver as well as something that is long enough to push the pin inside. You can use anything from a paintbrush to kabob stick, but avoid anything that is brittle, as it can cause damage to the hole.

Remove any trimming pieces that cover the area around the switch when you're ready to go. After that remove and loosen the screws that are holding the switch in place and then gently remove it. Depending on the model you might need to disconnect any cables that connect to it. Find out 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 an expert. Replacing it can involve disabling the steering column, which could trigger an unintentional deployment of airbags if done incorrectly. For this reason, it's often best to have your locksmith take care of this for you.

2. Check the Wiring

If you're unable to turn the ignition key or your car won't start, the problem could be related to any number of components of your vehicle's ignition system. It's important to understand how the ignition system functions so that you can pinpoint issues and make the necessary repairs.

The ignition switch is a low voltage multi-pole electrical switch that is operated by a key. It has four positions, which include "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 is not possible to start the engine.

To determine whether the ignition switch bad or the ignition coil is defective, you will must conduct a quick electrical test with the help of a Voltmeter. When the ignition switch has been set to run at a certain voltage, the voltmeter should read approximately 12.6, If the voltage falls below that level, it's a sign there's an open circuit somewhere in the system. It could be the solenoid, the battery or the ignition coil.

Connect the electrical connector to the ignition switch to ensure that no other components can interfere with the 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 leads should go to the positive terminal on the battery. If the voltmeter reads "open" or fails to detect any voltage, you should replace the switch.

When you're changing the switch, make sure to use a brand new ignition cylinder and a good quality key cut to ensure that your car will start and run properly. Also, when you replace the ignition switch, you must be careful not to hit the pins of the ignition cylinder with your tools, or they'll become stuck and your engine won't start. You'll need to take off the steering wheel and the gear selector on some vehicles to gain access to the ignition cylinder. This can be difficult and shouldn't be done unless you have an owner's manual that indicates it's safe to do this. Otherwise serious damage to the steering column or shifting mechanism is likely.

3. Check the Cylinder

If you have tried the battery, the wiring, and the ignition switch, but still cannot get your car ignition switch to start it could be time to check the cylinder. It's the component that holds your key and is mechanically connected to the lock on the steering wheel so that a potential thief cannot steer the car ignition lock without a key.

You might observe that your key will not turn if the cylinder is worn out. Sometimes, the pins in the cylinder are stuck when they adjust to the shape of your key, which may cause your car ignition barrel replacement to not start. Or, the cylinder might be loose, but a tap with the small hammer from a tack can aid in releasing it. Be careful not mixing up the springs and make sure your key is properly placed.

If you have to jiggle and move your key before it will start, this is another sign that your cylinder has been damaged. This is a red flag and needs to be fixed immediately, since it will only get worse with time.

To test the cylinder, you will need to remove the cover for the steering wheel and disconnect the battery. The old ignition switch should be easy to remove, as well as the cylinder made of steel. If you don't own a spare switch, you might be able to bring your original ignition cylinder as well as switch to locksmiths for reuse so long as they're in good working order. After replacing the switch and cylinder make sure you connect the wiring harness, secure it in place and reattach any covers, or panels that you have removed.

4. Check the Spark Plugs

The spark plug is your ignition system's final link. The engine will not start when the spark plug is broken. This can take the form of your car not starting at all, or it may start but not run well. In any case, the root is likely to be one of several things that prevent or impair the flow of electricity across the spark plug gap, which causes your engine's air and fuel mixture.

Be sure to use gloves and protective tools before working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs can be very hot and cause serious injuries if they are touched with bare hands.

There may be a slight gray or brown fleck on the tip of the electrode when a spark plug is bad. It may also have a black coating on the opposite side of the electrode. These deposits or fouling can stop high-voltage electrical current from crossing the gap of your spark plug, igniting an engine.

If you suspect that your spark plugs might 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. After that, you'll have to follow the proper procedure for your vehicle to take off the components that are covering the plugs. Once you have removed the plugs you can place them on a surface that is grounded and then crank the engine. If they're good, you should see a bright blue spark extending across the gap between the tip of the central electrode.

If you don't see a spark, you've discovered the problem. The next step is to go backwards through the chain of ignition and test each part until the spark plugs are no longer functioning. Every system will wear out and eventually fail and this is especially true for ignition systems. That said, routine maintenance can help reduce the wear and tear and avoid a major headache at the worst possible moment.