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How to Fix Car Ignition Problems A car won't start unless the ignition switch sends the electrical signal to the starter motor. Over time, normal wear and tear can cause the switch to fail. Using specially designed tools, you can take off the trim on your steering column and gain access to the ignition cylinder module. Check the repair manual to get guidance on how to do this correctly. 1. Make sure you check the Switch A bad switch is among the most frequent ignition problems. It regulates when relays are activated and deactivated by acting as a bridge. Because it doesn't transmit the full power of devices such as the starter, it's a lighter-duty component that's less likely to fail. However, it's still possible for the switch to be damaged or corroded. A malfunctioning switch is identified by a difficult time turning the key. This could be due to a variety of things such as improperly inserting the key, or wearing out the mechanism over time. It's not common for people to mix keys with keys from someone else's. This can result in mechanical damage. Before contacting a locksmith, you might want to try a few things. First, make sure that the battery is fully charged and there aren't any electrical issues within the system. It is also important to check the voltage of each component to determine if it's supplying adequate power. Once you've completed these steps, you can begin troubleshooting. Luckily, the ignition switch is pretty simple to replace. It is connected to the ignition module, which is a round component that holds everything together. It's necessary to use a flathead and a piece of material that is long enough to insert the pin. You can use anything from a paintbrush, to a kabob stick, but avoid anything that is brittle, as it can be broken into the hole. If you're ready for the job, you'll need to take away any trim pieces covering the area around the ignition switch. Once you've done this remove and loosen the screws that hold the switch in place, and then gently remove it. Depending on the model, you may also have to unplug any wires that connect to it. If you have a manual for your vehicle and model, it will show you exactly how to do it. If the ignition switch isn't working it's recommended to replace it by an expert. G28CarKeys to replace the ignition switch without removing the steering column. This could lead to the unintentional airbag deployment when you don't do it correctly. It is recommended to let your local locksmith take care of this. 2. Verify the Wire Your car might not start if it is difficult to turn the key or if it will not start. This could be due to any number of components within the 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 is operated by a key. It has four positions that are off, accessory, run and “lock.” If the switch is locked (which is typically shown by a red light) the ignition circuit is activated and it is inaccessible to start your car. To determine whether the ignition switch is defective or if the ignition coil itself is defective, you will need to do a quick electrical test with a Voltmeter. When the ignition switch has been running at a certain voltage, the voltmeter should read approximately 12.6, If the voltage is lower than that, there is an open circuit somewhere within the system. This could be at the battery, the solenoid or the ignition coil itself. Disconnect the electrical connector so that it doesn't interfere with the test. Then, set the voltmeter to the continuity or resistance mode and place 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 shows “open” or fails to register any voltage, you must replace the switch. Use a brand new ignition key and high-quality ignition cylinder when replacing the switch to ensure that your vehicle starts and runs correctly. Also, when replacing the ignition switch, you must be cautious not to touch the ignition cylinder pins with your tools, or they'll become stuck and your engine won't be able to start. You'll have to take off the steering wheel and gear selector in certain vehicles to gain access to the ignition cylinder. This isn't easy, and it is not recommended until you have an owner’s guideline that states it's safe. Otherwise severe damage to the steering column and shifting mechanism is likely. 3. Check the Cylinder If you've worked your way through the wiring, battery, and ignition switch but cannot get your car to start, it may be time to check the cylinder. It's the component that holds your key and is connected to the lock on the steering wheel so that a potential thief cannot control the car without keys. You may be noticing that your key does not turn if the cylinder is worn out. Sometimes, the pins in the cylinder are stuck when they adjust to the shape of your key, which could cause your car to not start. The cylinder might also be loose. A tap with the small tackhammer may help. Be sure not to mix up the springs and make sure your key is properly installed. If you need to move the key before it will start, this is another indication that your cylinder is gone bad. This is a bad indication and should be addressed immediately, as it will only get worse with time. To check the cylinder you'll need to take off the steering wheel cover and disconnect the battery. You should then be able to pull out the old ignition switch and the metal ignition cylinder. If you don't own a spare switch, you might be able to bring your original ignition cylinder and switch to locksmiths for reuse so long as they're in good working order. After replacing the ignition switch and cylinder make sure to reconnect the wiring and secure it before reattaching all covers and panels that you removed. 4. Check the Spark Plugs The spark plug is the last link in your ignition chain. The engine won't start when the spark plug is broken. It could be that your car will not start at all or will run poorly. In either of these scenarios, it's likely that one or more things are hindering or preventing the flow of electricity across spark plug gaps, which in turn ignites the mixture of fuel and air in your engine. Be sure to wear protective tools and gloves before you begin working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs are hot and can cause serious injury if you touch them with your skin. There may be a slight gray or brown residue on the top of the electrode when a spark plug is bad. The electrode could also have an opaque coating. These deposits, also known as corrosion, can prevent high-voltage electricity from crossing the spark plug gap and igniting your engine. If you believe that your spark plugs are to blame, you can test them by removing them from their tube inside the ignition coil. This can be done by disconnection of the coil and the plug wire. Then, you'll be required to follow the correct procedure for your vehicle to take off the components that are covering the plugs. After removing the plugs, place them on a metal surface that is grounded and start the engine. If they're working you should see a strong blue spark extending across the gap in the middle of the central electrode. If you aren't seeing a spark, you've found the issue. The next step is to go through the ignition chain, testing each part until you discover what's hindering the spark plugs from performing their job. It is important to keep in mind that all systems wear down and break down over time, and this is especially true of ignition systems. But, regular maintenance can help to slow down the process and prevent a major headache at the worst possible moment.