How to fix car ignition (relevant webpage) Problems
A car won’t start unless the ignition switch is sending 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 specialized tools to access the ignition cylinder module. Consult your repair manual for instructions on how to do this in a safe manner.
1. Make sure you check the Switch
A malfunctioning switch is among the most common ignition lock repair issues. It functions as bridge between two contacts, controlling the relays’ activation and deactivation. 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 corrosion-prone.
A bad switch is identified by a difficult time turning the key. This could be due to various reasons such as not inserting the correct key correctly or the mechanism being worn out over time. It’s not common for people to mix keys with someone else’s. This can result in mechanical damage.
If the switch isn’t working there are a few things you can try before calling a locksmith. You’ll first want to ensure that the battery is fully charged and there are no electrical issues with the system. It is also important to check the voltage of every component to ensure they are sufficient power. After you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to begin troubleshooting.
Luckily the ignition switch is pretty simple to replace. It’s connected to the ignition cylinder, which is a round module that connects everything. It’s necessary to use an elongated flathead as well as something long enough for you to press the pin in. It could be anything from a paintbrush handle to a kabob skewer, but you should stay clear of anything that is brittle and break within the hole.
When you’re ready to do the job, you’ll need to remove any trim pieces that cover the area around the ignition switch. After that take off and loosen any screws that hold the switch in place, and then gently remove it. Depending on the model you may have to cut off any cables that connect to it. Find out how to do this in the instruction manual for your vehicle.
If the ignition switch isn’t working, it’s best to replace it by a professional. It’s not easy to replace the ignition switch without removing the steering column. This could result in the unintentional airbag being deployed in the event that you don’t do it correctly. For this reason, it is recommended to let your locksmith take care of this for you.
2. Check the Wire
If you’re unable to turn the ignition key or your car won’t start, the issue could be due to any number of components of your vehicle’s ignition system. Understanding how the ignition system works can help you spot problems 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: off, accessory, run and “lock.” If the switch is in the lock position (which typically has the red indicator), the ignition circuit is live and it is not possible to start the engine.
You can use a voltmeter to quickly test the ignition switch and ignition coil. If the ignition switch is running and the voltmeter is reading approximately 12.6, If the voltage drops below that, it indicates there’s an open circuit in the system. This could be a solenoid, battery or the ignition coil.
Remove the electrical connector from the ignition switch so that no other components interfere with your test. Set the voltmeter in the resistance or continuity modes and then place one lead onto one of the terminals of the ignition switch. The other lead should be connected to the positive terminal on the battery. If the voltmeter reads “open” or does not register any voltage then it’s time to replace the switch.
Use a new ignition key and high-quality ignition cylinder when replacing the switch to ensure that your vehicle is running and starts correctly. When you replace the switch, be sure not to strike the pins of the ignition cylinder with your tools. Otherwise, they’ll get stuck and your engine will not run. In some vehicles, you’ll need to remove the steering column and the gear selector in order 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. If you do not then you could cause serious damage to your steering column and shift mechanism.
3. Check the Cylinder
If you’ve tried the battery, the wiring and the ignition switch, but still can’t get your car started, it may be time to examine 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 observe that your key will not turn if the cylinder is worn out. The pins of the cylinder may become stuck when they adapt to the shape of your key. This could cause your car to not start. The cylinder could also be loose and a tap using the small hammer from a tack can aid in releasing it. Just be careful not to jumble the springs inside and ensure that the key is correctly installed prior to tapping.
If you are required to jiggle and move your key before it will begin, this is another indication that your cylinder has gone bad. This is a sign of trouble, and it must be fixed immediately, since it will only get worse with time.
To examine the cylinder you’ll have to disconnect your battery, and then remove the cover on your steering wheel until you can access the ignition module. Then, you’ll be able to remove the old ignition switch and the cylinder for van ignition repair made of metal. If you don’t have an extra switch, you may be able to bring the original ignition cylinder and switch to locksmiths for reuse so long as they’re in good condition. After replacing the ignition switch and cylinder ensure that you connect the wiring to secure it, then reattach the covers and panels you took off.
4. Check Spark Plugs
The spark plug is the ignition system’s last link. The engine will not run if the spark plug breaks. It can be that your vehicle won’t start at all or it will run poorly. In either case, the reason is likely to be one of the things that prevent or impair electricity from jumping across the spark plug gap, which allows your engine’s gas and fuel mixture.
Be sure to wear gloves and protective tools before you begin working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs are hot and can cause serious injuries if you touch them with bare skin.
There may be a slight gray or brown fleck on the tip of the electrode when the spark plug is damaged. The electrode could also have a dark layer. These deposits or fouling can prevent high-voltage electrical current from jumping across the gap of your spark plug and igniting an engine.
If you suspect that your spark plugs might be the culprit, you can test them if you remove the plugs from their tube inside the ignition coil. This can be done by disconnecting the coil and the plug wire. Then, you will need to follow the correct procedure for your vehicle in order to remove the components that surround the plugs. After removing the plugs place them on a metal surface that is grounded, and begin the engine. If they’re working you should see an intense blue spark near the point of the central electrode.
If you don’t see any spark, you’ve identified the problem. The next step is to go backwards through the ignition chain and test each part until the spark plugs aren’t working. It is important to keep in mind that all systems wear out and break down with time, and this is especially true of ignition systems. That said, routine maintenance can slow the process down and prevent a major headache at the worst possible time.
