The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Received About Fix Car Ignition
How to Fix Car Ignition Problems
A car won't start unless the ignition switch sends the electrical signal to the starter motor. Normal wear and tear over time could cause the switch malfunction.
You can remove the steering column trim with specialized tools to gain access to the ignition cylinder module. Refer to the repair manual to get guidance on how to do this in a safe manner.
1. Make sure to check the Switch
A bad switch is one of the most frequently encountered ignition issues. It regulates when relays are activated and deactivated, acting as a bridge. Because it isn't able to harness the full power of devices like the starter, it's a less powerful component that is less likely to fail. The switch could still be damaged or damaged or corroded.
One indication of a defective switch is the difficulty in turning the key. This can be caused by various reasons, including the wrong way to insert a key, or wearing down the mechanism over time. G28 Car Keys 's not common for people to mix their keys up with someone else's. This could 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 there aren't any electrical issues within the system. You should also examine the voltage of every component to determine if they're providing enough power. After you've completed the above steps, you'll be able to begin troubleshooting.
The ignition switch is simple to replace. It is connected to the ignition module, which is a round piece of metal that holds everything together. To replace it, you'll require a flathead screwdriver, and something long enough to push the pin inside. You can employ anything from a paintbrush to Kabob stick, but be careful of anything that is brittle, as it can be broken into the hole.
When you're ready to do the work, you'll have to take off any trim pieces covering the area around the ignition switch. After removing the trim pieces, remove any screws holding the switch in place. Then, carefully pull it out. Depending on the model you may have to cut off the cables that connect to it. You can find out how to do it in the manual of your vehicle.
It's best to get the ignition switch replaced by professionals if it doesn't work. It can be difficult to replace the ignition switch, without disabling the steering column. This could lead to an accidental deployment of airbags when you don't do it correctly. It is recommended to leave it to your local locksmith to handle this.
2. Check the Wire
Your car may not start if you are unable to turn the ignition key or it won't start. This could be due a variety of components in the ignition system. It's important to understand how the ignition system functions to identify problems and make the right repairs.
The ignition switch is a low voltage multi-pole electrical switch that is turned 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 quickly test the ignition switch and ignition coil. When the ignition switch is set to run and the voltmeter is reading approximately 12.6, If the voltage falls below that, it means there's an open circuit within the system. This could be the solenoid, the battery or the ignition coil.
Remove the electrical connector so that it does not interfere with the test. Then you should set the voltmeter in the resistance or continuity mode and place 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 is "open" or fails to register any voltage, you should replace the switch.
When you're replacing the switch, be sure to use a brand new ignition cylinder and a top quality key cut to ensure that your car will run and start correctly. When you replace the switch, ensure not to hit the pins of the ignition cylinder with your tools. Otherwise, they will get stuck and your engine won't run. You'll have to take off the steering wheel and gear selector on some vehicles to access the ignition cylinder. This isn't easy and isn't recommended until you have an owner’s guideline that states it's safe. Otherwise serious damage to the steering column and shifting mechanism is likely.
3. Check the Cylinder
If you've worked your way through the wiring, battery and ignition switch, but can't get your car to start, it may be time to check the cylinder. The cylinder is the component that holds the key. It is mechanically attached to the steering lock to ensure that a would-be burglar can't drive the car without it.
You may notice that your key will not turn if the cylinder is worn out. Sometimes, the pins in the cylinder become stuck as they adapt to the shape of your key, which could cause your car not to start. Or, the cylinder might be shaky and a tap using the tack hammer may aid in releasing it. Just be careful not to disturb the springs in the cylinder and ensure that your key is correctly placed before tapping.
Another indication that your cylinder is going bad is if you have to turn the key and try different positions before it starts. This is a bad sign, and it must be addressed immediately, since 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. You should then be able to remove the old ignition switch and the metal ignition cylinder. If you don't have an extra ignition switch lying around, it's likely possible to take your original ignition switch and cylinder to a locksmith to reuse them, as long as they are in good condition. After replacing the switch and cylinder be sure to reconnect 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 last link. If it fails, the engine can't run. This can take the form of your car not running at all, or it could start but not run well. In either of these scenarios, it's likely that one or more things are hindering or preventing electrical current from crossing spark plug gaps, which in turn ignites the air and fuel mixture inside your engine.
Be sure to wear protective tools and gloves before working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs can get very hot and cause serious injuries if they are handled with hands that are not protected.
If a spark plug goes bad, you might notice that the tip of the central electrode has some light brown or gray substance on it. It may also have a black layer on the side of the electrode. These deposits, or fouling, may prevent high-voltage electricity from jumping across the spark plug gap and sparking your engine.
If you believe that your spark plugs are at fault 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. After that, you'll have to follow the proper procedure for your vehicle in order to take off the components that are covering the plugs. After you have removed the plugs, place them on a surface that is grounded, and start the engine. If they're good you will see a strong blue spark across the gap in the middle of the central electrode.
If you don't see a spark, you've found the issue. The next step is to go back through the ignition system 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 down and break down over time and this is particularly applicable to ignition systems. Regular maintenance can slow down the process and prevent an issue at the worst time.