#Car ignition switch how to#

#Car ignition switch how to#

How to fixĪgain, eliminate all other possible causes. Like the symptom before however, this can also be linked to other issues like fuel flow problems, the spark plugs themselves, etc. This is often attributed to a faulty ignition system. If you’ve managed to start the car but then it turned off again, the car might not be getting enough spark. If you’ve pinpointed that the cause is indeed the ignition switch, then you might need to have it replaced.īringing along a set of jumper cables can go a long way Symptom #3: The car shuts off by itself How to fixįirst, eliminate all other possible causes of the symptom. Regardless, it's good practice to include the ignition switch as one possible cause of your car not starting. Do note that this can be indicative of other problems like the starter, the battery, fuel pump, vacuum lines, among others. > Related: Advantages and Disadvantages of Push Start Ignitions Symptom #2: The car won’t startĪnother obvious sign that your ignition switch has gone bad is that your car won’t start at all. Also, it will completely destroy the keyhole. We do not recommend this as it will not work all the time. If the turn-key ignition is hard and/or you cannot insert the normal car key, then you can try forcing in a screwdriver.

And yes, mud and dirt on the keys will eventually destroy your turn-key ignition switch. This is particularly dangerous, so give the steering wheel a few tugs before driving onwards.Īs a side note, do clean your car keys before jamming them in. In other cases, the key enters the hole and you can turn the ignition but the steering wheel lock doesn’t disengage. Sometimes, debris can enter the keyhole and can prevent you from turning the key If that doesn’t change anything, take it to a mechanic or an automotive locksmith. When you feel that something’s different, try vacuuming it to suck out whatever’s blocking your key. > Related: Should I rev the engine before turning off the ignition? Initially, you can notice this when the key turning action isn’t as smooth when it was new. This might be due to wear and tear due to friction, or it just flat out broke a piece.Īlso, there are instances where dirt and dust have accumulated inside thus preventing the key to enter. Symptom #1: The key won’t turnįor older cars with a worn-out traditional turn-key ignition switch, there will come a time that it won’t move at all. To be sure that what you’re dealing with isn’t some relay or starter motor, here’s a list of five symptoms of a bad ignition switch. How to diagnose a No Start Condition - Ignition Switchįor some newer cars, the fault might even stem from a scuffed push to start button. It can be a faulty relay, a blown fuse, a faulty starter motor, a broken engine immobilizer transponder chip, or even dirty or busted up spark plugs.

Like most parts, however, an ignition switch might go bad due to several reasons.ĭo note though, that there are more symptoms of a bad ignition switch other than your car not starting. It's one of the first things you’ll touch when starting the car, and it also serves as a security measure.

Overall, it is one of the most important parts when it comes to operating a car. Without the ignition switch, your car won't start Other than that, it can also lock your steering wheel preventing the car to be started without the right key. So without it, you cannot start the car normally. That said, the usual design incorporates the ignition switch with the starter switch. These systems include the starter components, the engine control unit, ignition coil, and many other parts. A car’s ignition switch is literally a switch that introduces power to activate the electrical systems of the car.