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How to Fix Car Ignition Problems The car won't start until the switch sends an electrical signal to the starter. Normal wear and tear over time could cause the switch malfunction. You can remove the trim on your steering column using specialized tools to access your ignition cylinder module. Consult your repair manual to learn how to do it right. 1. Make sure to check the Switch One of the most frequently encountered ignition problems is a bad switch. It acts as an intermediary between two contacts, controlling the relays' activation and deactivation. Because it doesn't channel the full power of devices like the starter, it's a lighter component that's less likely to fail. However, it's still possible for the switch to become damaged or corrosion-prone. A defective switch can be identified by a difficulty turning the key. This could be due to various reasons such as incorrectly inserting a key or wearing down the mechanism over time. It's not common for people to mix keys with keys from someone else's. This can cause mechanical damage. Before calling a locksmith, you might want to try a few things. First, you'll need to ensure that the battery is fully charged and that there aren't any other electrical issues within the system. Also, you should test the voltage of each component to determine if it's providing enough power. After you've completed the above steps, you're ready to begin troubleshooting. The ignition switch is simple to replace. It is connected to the ignition module, which is a round piece of equipment that holds everything together. You'll need to use a flathead and something long enough for you to push the pin into. This could be anything from paintbrush handles to kabob skewer, but it is best to avoid anything brittle that could break inside the hole. Once you're ready to complete the work, you'll need to take away any trim pieces that cover the area around the ignition switch. Once you've done this, loosen and remove any screws that are holding the switch in place, and then gently remove it. Depending on the model, you may be required to disconnect any wires connected to it. If you have a manual for your vehicle, this will tell you exactly how to do it. It is best to have the ignition switch replaced by an expert if it doesn't work. It's difficult to replace the ignition switch without removing your steering column. This could lead to an accidental airbag deployment in the event that you don't do it correctly. It's best to allow your locksmith to handle this. 2. Check the Wire Your car may not start if you cannot turn the ignition key or it won't start. This could be due a variety of components in the 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 which is turned by the key. It has four positions including off run, accessory, and “lock.” When the switch is locked (which is typically marked by an red light) the ignition circuit is activated and it is impossible to start your car. To determine whether the ignition switch is bad or the ignition coil is defective, you will have to conduct an electrical test with the help of a Voltmeter. The voltmeter should read around 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the running position. If the voltage falls below that, it indicates there's an open circuit somewhere within the system. This could be a battery, solenoid, or the ignition coil. Connect the electrical connector to ensure that it does not interfere with the test. Then, set auto locksmith ignition replacement to the continuity or resistance mode and put one lead on one of the ignition switch's terminals. The other lead should be connected to the positive terminal of the battery. If the voltmeter reads “open” or fails to detect any voltage, it is recommended to replace the switch. Use a new ignition key and a top-quality ignition cylinder when replacing the switch to ensure your vehicle is running and starts correctly. Also, when replacing the ignition switch, be careful not to hit the pins of the ignition cylinder with your tools or they'll get stuck and the engine will not start. You'll have to take off the steering wheel and the gear selector in some vehicles to access the ignition cylinder. This isn't easy and should not be done unless you have an owner's manual that indicates it's safe to do this. If you do not then you could cause severe damage to your steering column and shift mechanism. 3. Check the Cylinder If you've worked your way through the battery, wiring and ignition switch and still you can't get your car start, it could be time to examine the cylinder. The cylinder is the part that holds the key and is mechanically connected to the steering lock so that a would-be burglar can't drive the car without it. If your cylinder is beginning to wear out, you could be noticing that your key isn't able to turn. Sometimes, the pins within the cylinder become stuck when they adjust to the shape of your key, which can cause your car not to start. The cylinder could also be loose and a tap using a small tack hammer can assist in releasing it. Be careful not to crush the springs within and make sure that the key is correctly inserted before tapping. If you have to move the key around before it will begin, it is a indication that your cylinder is become damaged. This is a red flag and needs to be fixed immediately, as it can only get worse with time. To check the cylinder, you'll have to disconnect your battery and take off the cover around your steering wheel until you can access the ignition module. The old ignition switch should be simple to remove, as well as the cylinder made of steel. If you don't have an extra ignition switch lying around, it's likely possible that you can take your original ignition switch and cylinder to a locksmith to reuse them, as long as they're 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 the last link in your ignition system chain. When it is damaged, the engine can't run. This can take the form of your car not running at all, or it could start but then run poorly. In any case, the root is likely to be one of several things that hinder or prevent electricity from crossing the spark plug gap, which allows your engine's gas and fuel mixture to start. Make sure you wear protective tools and gloves before working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs are hot and can cause serious injuries if you touch them with bare skin. When a spark plug goes bad, you might notice that the tip of the electrode's central portion has some light brown or gray residue on it. It may also have a black coating on the opposite side of the electrode. These deposits, or corrosion, can prevent high-voltage electrical current from crossing the gap between the spark plug and sparking your engine. If you suspect that your spark plugs are at fault You can test them by taking them from their tube inside the ignition coil. This can be done by disconnecting the coil from the plug wire and following the correct procedure for your vehicle to remove components that cover the spark plugs. After you have removed the plugs, you can place them on a surface that is grounded and crank the engine. If they're good you will see a strong blue spark crossing the gap between the tip of the central electrode. If you don't see a spark, you've identified the issue. The next step is to work back through the ignition system chain, testing each part until you discover what's hindering the spark plugs from doing their job. All systems will wear out and eventually fail and this is especially applicable to ignition systems. That said, routine maintenance can reduce the wear and tear and prevent a major headache at the worst time.