This Week s Most Popular Stories Concerning Fix Car Ignition
How to Fix Car Ignition key won't turn Problems
The car won't begin to start until the ignition switch transmits an electrical signal to the starter motor. Normal wear and tear over time may cause the switch to malfunction.
With the help of specially designed tools, you can remove your steering column trim and access the ignition cylinder module. Consult your repair ignition lock cylinder manual for instructions on how to do this properly.
1. Make sure you check the Switch
A malfunctioning switch is one of the most common ignition issues. It acts as an intermediary between two contacts, controlling the time when relays are activated and deactivated. It is more likely to fail since it does not channel the full power of devices like the starter. It is still susceptible to being damaged or corrosion-prone.
A bad switch is recognized by a slow time turning the key. This can be due to many factors, including 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 could cause mechanical damage.
If the switch isn't functioning, there are some things you can try before calling a locksmith. First, you must ensure that the battery is fully charged and there are no electrical issues within the system. You should also check the voltage of each component to see if they're supplying adequate power. Once you've completed these steps, you can begin troubleshooting.
The ignition switch is easy to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, which is a round module that connects everything. To replace it, you'll require an flathead screwdriver as well as something that is long enough to push the pin into. This could be anything from an artist's brush to a Kabob skewer. However, you should stay clear of any brittle material that could break within the hole.
Remove any trimming pieces that cover the area around the switch when you are ready to go. After this remove and loosen the screws that keep the switch in place then carefully pull it out. Depending on the model, you may be required to disconnect any wires connected to it. You can find out how to do it in the instruction manual for your vehicle.
If the ignition switch isn't working it's recommended to have it replaced by an expert. The replacement process involves disabling the steering column, which may trigger unintentional airbag deployment if it's done improperly. This is why it is recommended to let your local locksmith handle this for you.
2. Check the Wiring
Your car ignition lock may not start if you cannot turn the key or if it will not start. This could be due a number of components within the ignition system. Understanding how the ignition system works will help you determine the cause of the problem and make the correct repairs.
The ignition switch is an electric switch that has multiple poles and is operated by a key. It includes four positions "off", "accessory", "run" and the "lock". When the switch is in the lock position (which typically has a red indicator) the ignition circuit is active and it's not possible to start the engine.
You can use a voltage meter to quickly test the ignition switch and ignition coil. When the ignition switch has been set to run and the voltmeter is reading around 12.6, If the voltage is below that then there is an open circuit somewhere within the system. This could be the battery, solenoid or the ignition coil.
Connect the electrical connector to ensure that it does not interfere with the test. Set the voltmeter on the continuity or resistance modes and connect one lead onto one of the terminals of the ignition switch. The other leads should go to the positive terminal of the battery. If the voltmeter is "open" or fails to detect any voltage, it is recommended to replace the switch.
When you're changing the switch, make sure to use a brand new ignition cylinder and a good quality key cut to ensure that your car will run and start correctly. Also, when you replace the ignition switch, you must be cautious not to touch the pins of the van ignition repair cylinder with your tools, or they'll get stuck and your engine will not start. In some vehicles, you'll have to remove the steering column and gear selector in order to access the ignition cylinder. This can be a challenge and should not be done unless you have an owner's manual that indicates it's safe to do this. If you don't, it is possible to cause severe 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 ignition lock to start, it may be time to look at the cylinder. The cylinder is the part which holds the key and is mechanically attached to the steering lock so that burglars won't be able to drive the car key ignition replacement near me without it.
You might observe that your key will not turn if the cylinder has worn out. The pins in the cylinder may become stuck when they adapt to the shape of your key. This could cause your car to not start. Or, the cylinder might be loose however a tap using the tack hammer may help to free it. Just be careful not to crush the springs inside and ensure that your key is properly inserted before tapping.
Another sign that your cylinder is going bad is when you need to jiggle the key and try different positions before it gets started. This is a negative sign and must be fixed immediately, since it will only get worse over time.
To check the cylinder, you'll need to disconnect your battery and take off the cover on your steering wheel until you're able to access the ignition module. The old ignition switch should be simple to take off, as will the cylinder made of steel. If you don't have an extra switch, you might be able to bring your original ignition cylinder as well as switch to locksmiths for reuse as long as they're in good working order. After replacing the ignition switch and cylinder ensure that you connect the wiring and secure it before reattaching all covers and panels that you removed.
4. Check the Spark Plugs
The spark plug is your ignition system's final link. If it fails it will stop the engine from running. It can be that your vehicle won't start at all or will run badly. In either case, it's likely that one of several things are preventing or impeding the flow of electricity across spark plug gaps, which ignites the fuel mixture and air within your engine.
Before you begin working on your spark plugs, be sure you're working on a level surface and using protective gloves and tools to prevent getting struck. Spark plugs are hot and can cause serious injury if you touch them with your naked skin.
When a spark plug is bad, you might be able to see that the top of the central electrode is covered with a slight brown or gray residue on it. The electrode could also be covered with a dark coating. These deposits or fouling can prevent high-voltage electrical current from crossing the gap of your spark plug and igniting an engine.
If you suspect that your spark plugs may be the cause, you can test them if you remove the plugs from their tube inside the ignition coil. This can be accomplished by disconnecting the coil as well as the plug wire. Then, you'll have to follow the proper procedure for your vehicle to take off the components that are covering the plugs. After you have removed the plugs you can place them on a grounded metal surface and crank the engine. If they are working you will see an intense blue spark at the tip of central electrode.
If you do not see 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 stop functioning. All systems wear out and eventually break and this is especially applicable to ignition systems. Regular maintenance can slow down the process and avoid an issue at the worst possible time.