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How to Fix Car Ignition Problems The car won't begin until the switch sends an electrical signal to the starter. Over time wear and tear could cause the switch to fail. You can remove the steering column trim using specially designed tools to access the ignition cylinder module. Refer to your repair manual for guidance on how to do this in a safe manner. 1. Check the Switch A defective switch is one of the most frequent ignition problems. It controls when relays are activated and deactivated by acting as a bridge. It is less likely to fail because it does not channel the full power of devices such as the starter. However, it's still possible for the switch to become damaged or corrosion-prone. A defective switch is identified by a difficulty turning the key. This can be caused by many things such as incorrectly inserting the key or deteriorating the mechanism over time. It's not uncommon for people to mix their keys up with those of others. This could cause mechanical damage. Before contacting a locksmith, you might want to try a few things. First, you'll need to make sure that the battery is fully charged and there aren't any other electrical issues that could be affecting the system. It is also important to check the voltage of each component to see if they're providing enough power. Once you've completed these steps, it's now time to start troubleshooting. The ignition switch is easy to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, which is a round module that connects everything. You'll need an elongated flathead as well as something long enough for you to insert the pin. You can make use of anything from a paintbrush to Kabob stick, but you should avoid anything brittle as it could break into the hole. Once you're ready to complete the work, you'll have to take away any trim pieces that cover the area around the ignition switch. After that take off and loosen any screws that hold the switch in place and then gently remove it. Depending on the model, you might also have to unplug any wires connected to it. You can find out how to do it in the manual of your vehicle. It is best to have the ignition switch replaced by a professional in the event that it isn't working. It's difficult to replace the ignition switch, without disabling your steering column. This could lead to the unintentional airbag deployment in the event that you don't do it correctly. It's best to leave it to your local locksmith to take care of this. 2. Verify the Wire If you're unable to turn the key in the ignition or your car won't start, the problem could be related to any of the components in your car's ignition system. Understanding how the ignition system functions can help you spot problems and make the correct 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.” If the switch is in the lock position (which usually has the red indicator) the ignition circuit is active and it's impossible to start the engine. You can use a voltmeter to quickly test the ignition switch and ignition coil. If the ignition switch is running, the voltmeter should show around 12.6, If the voltage falls below that then there is an open circuit within the system. It could be the solenoid, battery or the ignition coil. Remove the electrical connector from the ignition switch to ensure that no other components can interfere with your test. Then set the voltmeter to the continuity or resistance mode and put one lead on one of the ignition switch terminals. The other lead should be connected to the positive terminal of the battery. If the voltmeter shows “open” or doesn't show any voltage, it's time to replace the switch. Use a brand new ignition key and a top-quality ignition cylinder when you replace the switch to ensure your vehicle runs and starts properly. When you replace the switch, ensure not to touch the pins of the ignition cylinder with your tools. Otherwise, car ignition barrel replacement near me 'll become stuck and the engine won't be able to run. You'll have to take off the steering wheel and gear selector on some vehicles to access the ignition cylinder. This can be a challenge, and it is not recommended until you have an owner's manual that says it's safe. Otherwise severe damage to the steering column or shifting mechanism is possible. 3. Check the Cylinder If you've gone through the wiring, battery and ignition switch but can't get your car to start, it might be time to check the cylinder. It's the part that holds your key and is mechanically connected to the steering wheel lock so a would-be thief can't drive the car without keys. If your cylinder has started to wear out, you might be noticing that your key isn't able to turn. The pins of the cylinder may become stuck as they adapt to your key's shape. This could cause your car to not start. Or, the cylinder might be shaky however a tap using the tack hammer may assist in releasing it. Be sure not to mix up the springs and ensure that the key is correctly placed. If you need to move the key around before it will begin, it is a indication that your cylinder has been damaged. This is a red flag and should be corrected immediately, since it will only get worse over time. To examine the cylinder you'll have to disconnect your battery and take off the cover from your steering wheel until you are able to access the ignition module. You should then be able to remove the old ignition switch as well as the cylinder for ignition made of metal. If you don't own a spare switch, you may be able to bring your original ignition cylinder and switch to locksmiths for reuse as long they're in good shape. After replacing the ignition switch and cylinder, ensure that you reconnect the wiring to secure it, then reattach all covers and panels that you removed. 4. Check the Spark Plugs The spark plug is the ignition system's last link. When it breaks, the engine can't run. It could be that your car will not start at all or will run badly. In either case, the reason is likely to be one of the things that prevent or impair electricity from crossing the spark plug gap which ignites your engine's air and fuel mixture to run. Before you begin working on your spark plugs, make sure that you are working on a safe surface and employing protective gloves and tools to keep from being zapped. Spark plugs can get very hot and could cause serious injuries if touched by hands without gloves. If a spark plug goes bad, you might observe that the edge of the central electrode has some light brown or gray residue on it. The electrode may also have an opaque coating. These deposits, also known as fouling, may prevent high-voltage electrical current from crossing the gap between the spark plug and igniting your engine. If you think that your spark plugs could be at fault you can test them by taking the plugs from their tube in the ignition coil. This can be accomplished by disconnecting the coil and the plug wire. Then, you will have to follow the proper procedure for your vehicle in order to remove the components that surround the plugs. After you have removed the plugs, place them on a surface that is grounded and begin the engine. If they are working you will be able to see a strong blue spark near the point of the central electrode. If you aren't seeing a spark, you've found the issue. Next, you'll need to go backwards through your ignition chain and check each component until the spark plugs are no longer functioning. All systems will wear out and eventually fail and this is especially relevant to ignition systems. But, regular maintenance can help slow the process down and avoid a big headache at the worst time.