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How to Fix Car Ignition Problems The car will not start unless the switch sends an electrical signal to the starter. Over time wear and tear can cause the switch to fail. You can remove the steering column trim with specialized tools to gain access to the ignition cylinder module. Consult your repair manual to learn how to do it correctly. 1. Make sure to check the Switch A bad switch is one of the most frequently encountered ignition issues. It acts as a bridge between two contacts, controlling the relays' activation and deactivation. Because it doesn't transmit the full power of devices such as the starter, it's a less powerful component that is less likely to fail. However it's still possible for the switch to become damaged or damaged or corroded. A malfunctioning switch is recognized by a slow time turning the key. This can be caused by various factors such as improperly inserting the key, or deteriorating the mechanism over time. It's not common for people to confuse their keys with keys from someone else's. more info can result in mechanical damage. If the switch isn't working there are a few things you can try before calling a locksmith. First, make sure that the battery is fully charged and there aren't any electrical issues in the system. It is also important to examine the voltage of every component to see if they're capable of supplying enough power. Once you've completed these steps, it's now time to begin troubleshooting. The ignition switch is easy to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, a round module that connects everything. You'll need to use a flathead and a piece of material that is long enough to push the pin into. You can make use of anything from a paintbrush to kabob stick, but avoid anything brittle as it could cause damage to the hole. Remove any trim pieces that are covering the area around the switch when you're ready to get started. After you've removed the trim pieces remove any screws that are holding the switch in place. Then, carefully take it off. Depending on the model, you may have to cut off any cables connected to it. You can learn how to do this in the instruction manual for your vehicle. If the ignition switch isn't working it's recommended to have it replaced by an expert. It is possible to replace it by turning off the steering column, which could result in unintentional deployment of airbags if done improperly. It is best to leave it to your local locksmith to take care of this. 2. Verify the Wire Your car might not start if you are unable to turn the key or it isn't starting. This could be due a variety of components in the ignition system. It is important to know how the ignition system functions so that you can pinpoint issues and make the necessary repairs. The ignition switch is a low-voltage multi-pole electrical switch which is operated by a key. It has four positions, which include “off”, “accessory”, “run” and the “lock”. When the switch is in the lock position (which typically has the red indicator) the ignition circuit is live and it is not possible to start the engine. You can use a voltage meter to quickly test the ignition switch or ignition coil. The voltmeter should read around 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the run position. If the voltage is below that, there is an open circuit somewhere within the system. This could be at the solenoid, the battery or the ignition coil itself. Disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition switch to ensure that there are no other components that could interfere with the test. Set the voltmeter to the resistance or continuity modes and place one lead onto one of the terminals on the ignition switch. The other lead should be connected to the positive terminal of the battery. If the voltmeter reads “open” or does not register any voltage, it is recommended to replace the switch. When you're replacing the switch, make sure to use a new ignition cylinder as well as a high quality key cut to ensure that your car will start and run properly. When replacing the switch, make sure not to touch the pins of the cylinder's ignition with your tools. Otherwise, they'll become stuck and the engine will not run. You'll have to take off the steering wheel as well as the gear selector on some vehicles to get access to the ignition cylinder. This can be difficult and should not be done unless you have an owner's guideline that says that it is safe to do so. Otherwise serious damage to the steering column or shifting mechanism is possible. 3. Check the Cylinder If you've tried the battery, the wiring and the ignition switch but still cannot get your car to start, it may be time to check the cylinder. It's the component that holds your key and is mechanically connected to the lock on the steering wheel so a would-be thief can't control the car without keys. You might notice that your key will not turn if the cylinder is worn out. The pins in the cylinder can get stuck when they adapt to the shape of your key. This could cause your car to not start. The cylinder may also be loose. Tapping it with a small tackhammer will aid. Just be careful not to crush the springs in the cylinder and ensure that your key is correctly inserted before tapping. If you are required to move the key before it will begin, it is a indication that your cylinder has become damaged. This is a red flag and needs to be fixed immediately, since it will continue to get worse as time passes. To test the cylinder, you'll have to disconnect your battery and remove the cover from your steering wheel until you're able to access the ignition module. Then, you'll be able to pull out the old ignition switch as well as the metal ignition cylinder. If you don't have an extra switch, you may be able take the original ignition cylinder and switch to a locksmith for reuse as 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 took off. 4. Make sure you check the Spark Plugs The spark plug is the final link in your ignition chain. If it fails, the engine can't run. This can take the form of your car not running at all, or it may start but run poorly. In either case, it's likely that one or more things are preventing or impeding the flow of electricity across spark plug gaps, which in turn ignites the fuel mixture and air within your engine. Be sure to use protective tools and gloves before you begin working with your spark plugs. Spark plugs can be hot and cause serious injury when you touch them with your skin. If a spark plug goes bad, you might notice that the tip of the electrode's central portion has a light gray or brown substance on it. The electrode may also have a dark coating. The deposits or fouling may stop high-voltage electrical current from crossing the gap between your spark plug and igniting an engine. If you suspect that your spark plugs might be the cause You can test them by having them remove them from the tube that is inside the ignition coil. You can do this by disconnecting the coil from the plug wire and following the appropriate procedure for your car to remove components that cover the spark plugs. After you have removed the plugs, place them on a metal surface that is grounded. Then begin the engine. If they are working you will see a bright blue spark near the edge of the central electrode. If you don't see any spark, you have found the problem. The next step is to work back through the ignition chain, testing each part until you can determine what is hindering the spark plugs from performing their job. It's important to remember that all systems wear out and break over time, and this is especially the case with ignition systems. That said, routine maintenance can to slow down the process and avoid a major problem at the worst moment.