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How to Fix Car Ignition Problems The car will not start until the switch sends an electrical signal to the starter. Normal wear and tear over time could cause the switch malfunction. Using special tools, you can remove your steering column trim and access the ignition cylinder module. Refer to your repair manual for instructions on how to do this correctly. 1. Make sure you check the Switch A defective switch is one of the most frequent ignition problems. It acts as bridge between two contacts, controlling when relays activate and deactivate. It is more likely to fail since it doesn't channel full power of devices such as the starter. The switch could still be damaged or corroded. One sign of a damaged switch is the difficulty in turning the key. This can be caused by a number of factors such as the wrong way to insert a key, or the mechanism being worn out over time. It's also commonplace for people to mix up their car keys with the keys of someone else, which can lead to mechanical damage. Before calling a locksmith, you may try a few options. You'll first want to ensure that the battery is fully charged and there are no electrical issues in the system. Also, you should examine the voltage of every component to determine if they're capable of supplying enough 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. It's necessary to use a flathead and a piece of material that is long enough to push the pin into. This could be anything from paintbrush handles to Kabob skewer, but you should avoid using any brittle material that could break within the hole. Remove any trim pieces that are covering the area around the switch once you're ready to get started. After that take off and loosen any screws that hold the switch in place and then gently pull it out. Depending on the model, you may need to disconnect any cables 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 an expert in the event that it isn't working. Replacing it can involve disabling the steering column which could trigger an unintentional airbag deployment if done improperly. Therefore, it's best to have your locksmith take care of this for you. 2. Check the Wire If you're unable to turn the ignition key or your car won't start, your issue could be due to any of the components in 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 operated by a key. It has four positions including off run, accessory, and “lock.” When the switch is in the lock position (which usually has an indicator in red), the ignition circuit is live and it is not possible to start the engine. To determine if the ignition switch is bad or the ignition coil is defective, you will have to conduct an electrical test with an Voltmeter. The voltmeter should read approximately 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the run position. If the voltage is below that then there is an open circuit somewhere within the system. It could be the solenoid, the battery, or the ignition coil. Disconnect the electrical connector so that it does not interfere with the test. Then, set the voltmeter to the continuity or resistance mode and put one lead on one of the terminals on the ignition switch. The other leads should go to the positive terminal of the battery. If the voltmeter reads “open” or doesn't show any voltage, it's time to replace the switch. If you're replacing the switch, make sure to use a brand new ignition cylinder as well as a high quality key cut to ensure that your vehicle will start and run properly. Also, when replacing the ignition switch, you must be cautious not to touch the pins of the ignition cylinder with your tools, or they'll become stuck and your engine will not start. In certain vehicles, you'll need remove the steering column and the gear selector to get access to the ignition cylinder. This can be difficult and is not recommended unless you have an owner's manual that states it's safe to do this. If you do not, it is possible to cause serious damage to your steering column and the shift mechanism. 3. Check ignition lock repair near me If you have tried the battery, the wiring, and the ignition switch but you are still unable to start your car it could be time to examine the cylinder. It's the component that holds your key and is mechanically connected to the steering wheel lock to ensure that thieves can't control the car without the key. If your cylinder has started to wear out, you might notice that the key won't turn. Sometimes, the pins inside the cylinder get stuck when they adjust to the shape of your key, which can cause your car to not start. Alternatively, the cylinder may be loose however a tap using the tack hammer may assist in releasing it. Be careful not to mix up the springs and make sure your key is correctly installed. If you have to jiggle and move the key before it will begin, it is a indication that your cylinder is become damaged. This is a sign of trouble and needs to be fixed immediately, as it can only get worse with time. To check the cylinder, you'll need to unplug your battery, and then remove the cover on your steering wheel until you can access the ignition module. The old ignition switch should be easy to remove, as well as the cylinder for ignition made of metal. If you don't have an extra ignition switch lying around, it's likely possible to take your original ignition switch and cylinder to a locksmith to reuse them as long as they're in good condition. After replacing the ignition switch and cylinder, ensure that you reconnect the wiring to secure it, then reattach the panels and covers that you took off. 4. Check the Spark Plugs The spark plug is the final link in your ignition system chain. When it breaks it stops the engine from running. It could be that your car will not start at all or it will run poorly. In either case, it is likely that one of several things are hindering or preventing electrical current from crossing spark plug gaps, which then ignites the mixture of fuel and air in your engine. Before you begin working on your spark plugs, make sure you're working on a safe surface, using protective gloves and tools to prevent getting zapped. Spark plugs can be hot and cause serious injuries when you touch them with bare skin. If a spark plug goes bad, you might notice that the tip of the central electrode is covered with a light gray or brown substance on it. The electrode may also have a dark coating. These deposits, also known as fouling, can stop high-voltage electrical current from crossing the spark plug gap and igniting your engine. If you suspect that your spark plugs could be the culprit you could test them by remove them from their tube inside the ignition coil. This can be done by disconnecting the coil and the plug wire. Then, you will be required to follow the correct procedure for your vehicle in order to take off the components that are covering the plugs. Once you have removed the plugs, you can place them on a surface that is grounded and then crank the engine. If they are working you should see an intense blue spark near the tip of central electrode. If you don't see a spark you have discovered the problem. The next step is to go through the ignition chain, testing each component until you find out what's stopping the spark plugs from performing their job. All systems get older and eventually break, and this is particularly true for ignition systems. But, regular maintenance can help slow the process down and avoid a major headache at the worst time.