What to do if you have Ignition Cylinder Trouble

If you aren’t able to get your car started, there are numerous reasons why this is happening. One possibility is that your vehicle has had a failing ignition switch for quite awhile. If this is the case, then you need to examine it further. A worn-out ignition can end up being a hazard, so do not ignore this issue. You may be able to determine the nature of the problem yourself.

Causes for Ignition Problems

The battery may be drained. When you start your automobile, the ignition coil takes power from the battery, sending it out to the sparkplugs, which ignites the fuel so the engine will fire up. If you ever turn the engine over too many times, you might drain your battery until there isn’t any power remaining.

Is the switch overheating? There may be a short in the system. If the ignition switch is hot when you touch it, then the problem is likely in the electrical system. Because the ignition switch is connected to high-resistance wires, any of the terminals where the wires are connected could overheat, which may melt the insulating base. In case it does get fried, then your vehicle jerks violently, and will not start up.

There might be too much wear and tear. If so, the key will become ineffective over time, and eventually stop working at all. Then the key will need to be remade, applying the factory key cutting codes, so that the key is properly cut and fully functional.
Did you stick the wrong key into the ignition switch by mistake? If it went all the way in, don’t try to get it out! You might cause irreparable damage. Call an automotive locksmith!

One typical reason an ignition fails is because it’s always been defective. Check with the manufacturer. If you are still under warranty, the dealership ought to replace the ignition cylinder. If you are not under warranty any more, hire an automotive locksmith.

Check the Status

Whenever you stick your car key in the ignition switch and turn it, there are basically 3 status positions:

• In the “off” status position, there is no power being transmitted to the system.
• In the “on” status position, the dashboard lights illuminate, but your engine remains off.
• In the “start” status position, you are exerting full key pressure, and this fires up the engine.

One sure sign of a faulty ignition switch is that your instrument panel lights don’t come on when your key is in position 2.
Take a good look at your dashboard lights. Regular wear and tear on your vehicle can lead to ignition switch failure, especially if you have an older automobile. If your ignition switch is malfunctioning, you probably won’t hear clicks from the main relay. If you’re stalling out, examine your dashboard lights. Turn the key to status position 2, and if the oil light, brake light, charge light, and additional warning lights aren’t on, then something is definitely wrong. You can also test the ignition switch’s integrity: When you get the car key to the “start” status position, as soon as you hear it start up, let go of the key, and allow it to snap back to the “on” status position. If your warning lights go off when the switch snaps back, then the switch is bad.

Did you break off the key? Is some other object lodged inside the lock mechanism? Don’t try to fix this yourself! Instead, call an automotive locksmith. Otherwise, you could cause irreparable damage. In general, a professional automotive locksmith is capable of easily removing a broken key or any foreign object without needing to replace the entire ignition switch.

Your key ignition’s set of wafers, which index with corresponding cuts on the car key, may be too worn. The ignition switch will fail if it is jammed up with dirt and grime. You can replace individual wafers, or do some good old basic cleaning, and then you shouldn’t need to do a full ignition replacement.

Your transponder key might not be working. This usually means that the computer chip has lost its programming. Get your existing key reprogrammed; or, hire a professional automotive locksmith to copy the existing cuts, and program a new key. This precise task must be carried out by a legitimate automotive locksmith.

Was there a thwarted attempt to steal your vehicle? An amateur car thief will make a huge mess of your ignition switch and steering column. If this has happened, you must replace the whole ignition assembly.

Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

• your vehicle is prone to stalling while you’re idling
• the steering wheel sometimes gets stuck, or may even become immovable
• the key will sometimes come out, even while your car’s still running
• you may see higher auto emissions
• you might notice increased fuel consumption
• you cannot even get the key in the ignition at all
• you observe car battery problems

DIY

If you decide to replace your ignition switch by yourself, make sure you know what you’re doing ahead of time! It is not an easy task, particularly on a newer vehicle, because they often contain anti-theft devices. Replacing your ignition switch without taking the recommended precautions, and without using the proper tools, will make your car inoperable! The electrical current running through your automobile’s system can actually cause major bodily harm. Accordingly, keep all metallic objects away from all electrical wires.

The entire process involves disconnecting the battery cable from the battery’s terminal, removing the steering column, removing the wiring harness connected to the ignition switch, and so forth, before you can install a new ignition switch. Therefore, unless you’re certain you know exactly what you are doing, it’s best to hire an expert. If you’re located anywhere in Buckeye, Arizona, it’s wise to choose a reputable locksmith company, such as the mobile automotive locksmith specialists on staff at Buckeye Locksmith AZ.