How to Fix Car Ignition Problems
A car won't start unless the ignition switch is sending an electrical signal to the starter motor. Normal wear and tear over time can cause the switch malfunction.
Using special tools, you are able to remove the trim on your steering column and access the ignition cylinder module. Check out your repair manual to learn how to do it right.
1. Make sure you check the Switch
A defective switch is among the most frequently encountered ignition issues. It regulates when relays are activated and deactivated through the use of bridge. It is more likely to fail since it does not channel full power of devices like the starter. The switch can still be damaged or damaged or corroded.
One sign of a bad switch is difficulty turning the key. This could be due to many things, including incorrectly inserting the key or wearing out the mechanism over time. It's also commonplace for people to misplace their keys to their car with someone else's, which can cause mechanical damage.
Before contacting a locksmith, you may try a few options. First, you'll want to ensure that the battery is fully charged and that there are no other electrical issues within the system. You should also check the voltage of each component to determine if it's providing enough power. After you've completed these steps, it's time to start troubleshooting.
Fortunately, the ignition switch is pretty simple to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, which is a round module that holds everything together. You'll need a flathead and a piece of material long enough to insert the pin. This can be anything from a paintbrush handle to a kabob skewer, but it is best to avoid anything that is brittle and break inside the hole.
Remove any trimming pieces that are covering the area around the switch once you're ready to go. After taking off the trim pieces, take off any screws that hold the switch in place. Then, gently take it off. Depending on the model, you might be required to disconnect any wires connected to it. www.g28carkeys.co.uk can learn how to do it in the manual of your vehicle.
It is best to have the ignition switch replaced by an expert if it doesn't work. The replacement process involves turning off the steering column, which could trigger an unintentional airbag deployment if done improperly. It is best to leave it to your local locksmith to handle this.
2. Check the Wiring
If you can't turn the ignition key or your car isn't starting, your issue could be due to any of the parts of 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 that can be turned by the key. It has four positions, which include "off", "accessory", "run" and the "lock". If the switch is locked (which is typically marked by a red light) the ignition circuit is activated and it is inaccessible to start your vehicle.
To determine if the ignition switch is bad or if the ignition coil itself is defective, you will have to conduct an electrical test with a voltmeter. When the ignition switch has been set to run, the voltmeter should show around 12.6, If the voltage is below that it indicates that there is an open circuit within the system. It could be the solenoid, battery, or the ignition coil.
Remove the electrical connector from the ignition switch so that there are no other components that could interfere with your test. Set the voltmeter on the resistance or continuity modes and place one lead on one of the terminals of 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 must replace the switch.
If you're changing the switch, make certain to use a new ignition cylinder and a top quality key cut to ensure that your vehicle will run and start correctly. Also, when replacing the ignition switch, you must be careful not to strike the pins of the ignition cylinder with your tools, or they'll get stuck and your engine will not start. You'll need to take off the steering wheel as well as the gear selector in some vehicles to access the ignition cylinder. This can be a challenge and isn't recommended until you have an owner’s guideline that states it's safe. If you don't you could cause serious damage to your steering column and the shift mechanism.
3. Check the Cylinder
If you've tried the battery, the wiring, and the ignition switch but still cannot start your car it could be time to check the cylinder. The cylinder is the part that holds the key. It is mechanically connected to the steering lock to ensure that thieves can't drive the car without it.
You may observe that your key will not turn if the cylinder is worn out. Sometimes, the pins in the cylinder are stuck as they adapt to the shape of the key, which may cause your car not to start. The cylinder may also be loose. A tap using the small tackhammer may aid. Just be careful not to crush the springs in the cylinder and ensure that your key is properly placed before tapping.
Another sign that your cylinder is failing is when you need to jiggle the key and try multiple positions before it begins. This is a sign of trouble and must be fixed immediately because it will worsen over time.
To check the cylinder you will need to remove the cover for the steering wheel and disconnect the battery. You should then be able to remove the old ignition switch and the cylinder made of metal. If you don't have an extra switch, you may be able take the original ignition cylinder and switch to locksmiths for reuse so long they're in good shape. After replacing the switch and cylinder, make sure you connect the wiring harness and secure it and reattach any covers or panels that you have removed.
4. Make sure you check the Spark Plugs
The spark plug is your ignition system's last link. When it breaks, the engine can't run. This could take the form of your car not running at all, or may start but then run poorly. In either case, it is likely that one or more things are hindering or preventing the flow of electricity across spark plug gaps, which in turn ignites the mixture of fuel and air within your engine.
Be sure to use protective tools and gloves before working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs are hot and could cause serious injury when you touch them with your naked skin.
There may be a slight gray or brown residue on the tip of the electrode when the spark plug is defective. It may also have a black coating on the opposite side of the electrode. The deposits or fouling may hinder high-voltage electrical currents from jumping across the gap of your spark plug and igniting an engine.
If you suspect your spark plugs might be the cause, you can test them by having them remove them from their tube inside the ignition coil. You can do this by disconnecting the coil from the plug wire, and following the proper procedure for your vehicle to remove the components that cover the spark plugs. Once you have removed the plugs you can place them on a metal surface that is grounded and crank the engine. If they're functioning you should see a bright blue spark on the edge of the central electrode.
If you don't see a spark, you've identified the issue. Next, you'll need to go backwards through the chain of ignition and check each component until the spark plugs aren't working. It is important to keep in mind that all systems wear down and break down with time and this is particularly applicable to ignition systems. But, regular maintenance can help to slow down the process and avoid a big problem at the worst time.