10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Fix Car Ignition
How to Fix Car Ignition Problems
The car won't start until the ignition switch sends the electrical signal to the starter motor. Over time, normal wear and tear may cause the switch to malfunction.
You can remove the trim on your steering column using special tools to access the ignition cylinder module. Check out your repair manual to learn how to do it right.
1. Check the Switch
A defective switch is among the most frequent ignition problems. It functions as a bridge between two contacts, controlling the time when relays are activated and deactivated. Because it doesn't harness the full power of devices such as the starter, it's a lighter-duty component that is less likely to fail. However, it's still possible for the switch to get damaged or corrosion-prone.
One sign of a damaged switch is the difficulty in turning the key. This can be caused by a variety of things such as not inserting the key correctly or deteriorating the mechanism over time. It's not unusual to see people mix keys with someone else's. This can cause mechanical damage.
Before calling a locksmith you may try a few options. You'll first want to ensure that the battery is fully charged and that there are no electrical issues with the system. You should also verify the voltage of every component to ensure they are sufficient power. After you've completed the above steps, you can begin troubleshooting.
Fortunately, the ignition switch is pretty easy to replace. It is connected to the ignition module, which is a round component that connects everything. To replace it, you'll require a flathead screwdriver, and something long enough to press the pin into. This could be anything from a paintbrush handle 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 work, you'll need to remove any trim pieces covering the area around the ignition switch. Once van ignition repair 've done this take off and loosen any screws that hold the switch in place and then carefully pull it out. Depending on the model, you may also need to disconnect the wires that connect to it. If you have an instruction manual for your vehicle it will explain exactly how to do it.
If the ignition switch isn't working, it's best to have it replaced by an expert. It's not easy to replace the ignition switch without disabling your steering column. This could lead to an accidental deployment of airbags when you don't do it correctly. This is why it is recommended to let your local locksmith handle this for you.
2. Check the Wiring
If you can't turn the key in the ignition or your car won't start, the issue could be related to any of the components in your car's ignition system. It's important to understand how the ignition system works to be able to spot issues and make the appropriate repairs.
The ignition switch is an electrical switch with multiple poles that is controlled by the key. It includes four positions "off", "accessory", "run" and the "lock". When the switch is locked (which is typically shown by the red light), the ignition circuit is active and it is impossible to start your car.
You can use a voltmeter to quickly test the ignition switch or ignition coil. The voltmeter should be reading around 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the running position. If the voltage drops below that, it means there's an open circuit within the system. This could be at the solenoid, the battery or at the ignition coil itself.
Connect the electrical connector to the ignition switch so that there are no other components that could interfere with the test. Then set the voltmeter to the continuity or resistance 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 register any voltage it's time to replace the switch.
Use a brand new ignition key and high-quality ignition cylinder when replacing the switch to ensure that your vehicle runs and starts properly. When you replace the switch, ensure not to hit the pins of the ignition cylinder using your tools. In the event of a collision, they'll get stuck and your engine will not run. You'll have to take off the steering wheel and the gear selector in certain vehicles to get access to the ignition cylinder. This can be difficult, and it is not recommended until you have an owner's manual that states it's safe. If you don't you could cause serious damage to your steering column and shift mechanism.
3. Check the Cylinder
If you've gone through the wiring, battery, and ignition switch, but cannot get your car to start, it could be time to look at the cylinder. The cylinder is the component that holds the key and is mechanically linked to the steering lock to ensure that thieves can't drive the car without it.
If your cylinder is beginning to wear out, you might be noticing that your key isn't able to turn. Sometimes, the pins inside the cylinder get stuck when they adjust to the shape of your key, which can cause your car to not start. The cylinder may also be loose. A tap with the tackhammer can help. Just be careful not to jumble the springs within and make sure that your key is correctly installed prior to tapping.
If you have to jiggle and move your key before it will begin, it is a indication that your cylinder is gone bad. This is a red flag and should be addressed immediately, since it will continue to get worse as time passes.
To examine the cylinder, you'll need to take off the cover on the steering wheel and disconnect the battery. The old ignition switch should be easy to remove, as should the cylinder for ignition made of metal. If you don't have an extra ignition switch lying around, it's likely possible to 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 ignition switch and cylinder ensure that you connect the wiring and secure it before reattaching all covers and panels that you took off.
4. Check Spark Plugs
The spark plug is your ignition system's last link. The engine won't run in the event that the spark plug fails. This can take the form of your car not starting at all, or it could start but run poorly. In either case, it is likely that one or more factors are hindering or blocking electricity from jumping across spark plug gaps, which ignites the mixture of fuel and air within your engine.
Before you begin working on your spark plugs, be sure that you are working on a safe surface, using protective gloves and tools to avoid being struck. Spark plugs can be hot and cause serious injury when touched with your naked skin.
If a spark plug goes bad, you may observe that the edge of the central electrode is covered with some light brown or gray substance on it. The electrode could also be covered with a dark coating. These deposits, also known as fouling, can stop high-voltage electricity from crossing the spark plug gap and sparking your engine.
If you suspect that your spark plugs could be the culprit, you can test them if you remove them from their tube inside the ignition coil. This can be accomplished by disconnecting the coil and the plug wire. After that, you'll have to follow the proper procedure for your car to remove the components that surround the 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 good, you should be able to see a strong blue spark extending across the gap between the tip of the central electrode.
If you aren't seeing a spark, you have found the issue. The next step is to go backwards through your ignition chain and test each component until the spark plugs are no longer working. It's important to remember that all systems wear down and break down over time, and this is especially the case with ignition systems. Routine maintenance can help to reduce the wear and tear and avoid an issue in the worst case.