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How to Fix Car Ignition Problems The car won't begin unless the switch sends an electrical signal to the starter. Normal wear and tear over time may cause the switch malfunction. Utilizing specially designed tools, you can take off 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. Check the Switch One of the most common ignition issues is a malfunctioning switch. It acts as bridge between two contacts, regulating the time when relays are activated and deactivated. It is less likely to fail because it does not channel the full power from devices like the starter. However it's still possible for the switch to be damaged or corroded. One indication of a defective switch is the difficulty in turning the key. This can be caused by a number of factors, including the wrong way to insert a key, or deteriorating the mechanism over time. It's also common for people to misplace their keys to their car with another's, which could result in mechanical damage. If the switch isn't working there are some things you can try before calling a locksmith. First, you must ensure that the battery is fully charged and that there are no electrical issues within the system. You should also check the voltage of each component to determine if they're providing enough power. After you've completed these steps, you're ready to begin troubleshooting. Fortunately the ignition switch is easy to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, a round module that holds everything together. You'll need an elongated flathead as well as something that is long enough to insert the pin. This can be anything from a paintbrush handle to a Kabob skewer. However, you should avoid using anything that is brittle and break within the hole. Remove any trim pieces that overhang the switch when you're ready to go. After taking off the trim pieces, remove any screws holding the switch in position. Then, carefully take it off. Depending on the model, you might also have to unplug any wires that connect to it. Find out how to do this in the manual of your vehicle. It is best to have the ignition switch replaced by a professional when it's not working. It's difficult to replace the ignition switch without disabling the steering column. This could result in an accidental deployment of airbags if you do it incorrectly. It is best to leave it to your local locksmith to handle this. 2. Check the Wire Your car may not start if it is difficult to turn the key or it isn't starting. This could be due a number components in the ignition system. It's crucial to understand how the ignition system functions so that you can pinpoint issues and make the appropriate repairs. The ignition switch is an electrical switch with multiple poles that is controlled by the key. It includes four positions “off”, “accessory”, “run” and the “lock”. If the switch is in the lock position (which typically has the red indicator), the ignition circuit is in operation and it's impossible to start the engine. You can use a voltmeter to quickly test the ignition switch or coil. When the ignition switch is running, the voltmeter should show around 12.6, If the voltage is lower than that, there is an open circuit within the system. This could be a solenoid, the battery, or the ignition coil. Remove the electrical connector from the ignition switch to ensure no other components interfere with the test. Set the voltmeter in the continuity or resistance modes and connect one lead on one of the terminals of the ignition switch. The other leads should go to the positive terminal on the battery. If the voltage meter shows “open” or does not register any voltage it's time to replace the switch. Use a brand new ignition key and high-quality ignition cylinder when you replace the switch to ensure that your vehicle runs and starts properly. Also, when replacing the ignition switch, be careful not to hit the cylinder's pins on the ignition with your tools, or they'll get stuck and the engine will not start. In car ignition switch , you'll need remove the steering column and gear selector in order to access the ignition cylinder. This isn't easy and should not be done unless you have an owner's guideline that says it's safe to do this. Otherwise serious damage to the steering column and shifting mechanism is possible. 3. Check the Cylinder If you've worked your way through the wiring, battery, and ignition switch, but can't get your car to start, it could be time to look at the cylinder. It's the component that holds your key and is mechanically connected to the lock on the steering wheel to ensure that thieves can't drive the car without a key. You might be noticing that your key does 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 can cause your car to not start. Or, the cylinder might be loose, but a tap with the small hammer from a tack can assist in releasing it. Be careful not to mix up the springs and ensure that your key is properly placed. If you are required to jiggle and move the key before it will begin, this is another sign that your cylinder has become damaged. This is a bad sign, and it must be addressed immediately as it will only get worse over time. To check the cylinder, you'll need to unplug your battery, and then remove the cover from your steering wheel until you are able to access the ignition module. Then, you'll be able pull out the old ignition switch and the cylinder made of metal. If you don't have an additional ignition switch around, it's 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 ensure that you 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 final link in your ignition system chain. If it fails it stops the engine from running. It could be that your car will not start at all, or it will run badly. In either of these scenarios, it's likely that one or more things are hindering or preventing electricity from jumping across spark plug gaps, which in turn ignites the mixture of fuel and air within your engine. Make sure you wear protective tools and gloves before you begin working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs can get very hot and can cause serious injuries if touched by hands without gloves. If a spark plug goes bad, you may observe that the edge of the central electrode has a slight brown or gray substance on it. The electrode may also have a dark layer. These deposits or fouling can prevent high-voltage electrical current from jumping across the gap between the spark plug and starting an engine. If you suspect your spark plugs may be the cause You can test them by having them remove them from the tube that is inside the ignition coil. This can be done 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. After you have removed the plugs, place them on a surface that is grounded. Then start the engine. If they're good, you should be able to see a strong blue spark across the gap between the tip of the central electrode. If you don't see a spark, you've identified the problem. The next step is to work back through the ignition system chain, testing each element until you can determine what is blocking the spark plugs from doing their job. Every system will wear out and eventually fail, and this is particularly applicable to ignition systems. Regular maintenance can reduce the wear and tear and avoid a major headache at the worst time.