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How to Fix Car Ignition Problems The car won't start until the ignition switch sends the electrical signal to the starter motor. Over time wear and tear can cause the switch to malfunction. You can remove the steering column trim with specially designed tools to access your ignition cylinder module. Check out your repair manual to learn how to do it correctly. 1. Make sure you check the Switch One of the most frequently encountered ignition problems is a bad switch. It controls the moment relays are activated, and deactivated, acting as a bridge. It is more likely to fail since it does not channel full power from devices such as the starter. The switch could still be damaged or corroded. A defective switch can be identified by a difficult time turning the key. This could be due to a variety of things that include incorrectly inserting the key or deteriorating the mechanism over time. It's not unusual for people to mix keys with someone else's. This can cause 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 that there are no electrical issues with the system. Also, you should test the voltage of each component to determine if they're supplying adequate power. After you've completed the above steps, you'll be able to begin troubleshooting. Fortunately the ignition switch is simple to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, a round module that connects everything. It's necessary to use a flathead and something long enough to push the pin into. This can be anything from paintbrush handles to Kabob skewer, but you should stay clear of anything brittle that could break inside the hole. Remove any trim pieces that are covering the area around the switch when you are ready to go. After this remove and loosen the screws that are holding the switch in place then carefully pull it out. Depending on the model, you might also need to disconnect any wires connected to it. If you have a manual for the vehicle you own, this will tell you exactly how to do this. It's best to get the ignition switch replaced by a professional when it's not working. Replacing it can involve disabling the steering column which could result in unintentional deployment of airbags if done improperly. It is recommended to leave it to your local locksmith to handle this. 2. Verify the Wire If you are unable to turn the ignition key or your car won't start, the issue could be related to any of the components in your car's ignition system. It is important to know how the ignition system works to identify issues 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, which include “off”, “accessory”, “run” and the “lock”. When the switch is in the lock position (which typically has an indicator in red), the ignition circuit is active and it's not possible to start the engine. To determine whether the ignition switch defective or the ignition coil is defective, you will must conduct a quick electrical test using an voltage meter. The voltmeter should read approximately 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the run position. If the voltage drops below that level, it's a sign there's an open circuit somewhere in 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. Set the voltmeter to the resistance or continuity modes and place one lead on one of the terminals on the ignition switch. The other lead should be connected to the positive terminal on the battery. If the voltage meter reads “open” or doesn't show any voltage, it's time to replace the switch. Use a brand new ignition key and a high-quality ignition cylinder when you replace the switch to ensure that your vehicle starts and runs correctly. When replacing the switch, ensure not to touch the pins of the cylinder's ignition with your tools. Otherwise, they will get stuck and your engine won't run. You'll need to remove the steering wheel and gear selector in certain vehicles to get access to the ignition cylinder. This isn't easy and is not recommended unless you have an owner's manual that indicates that it is safe to do so. If you don't you could cause irreparable damage to your steering column and the shift mechanism. 3. Check the Cylinder If you've sifted through the wiring, battery, and ignition switch, but cannot get your car to start, it could be time to look at 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. If your cylinder has started to wear out, you may notice that the key won't turn. Sometimes, the pins in the cylinder get stuck as they adapt to the shape of your key, which can cause your car to not start. The cylinder might also be sloppy. A tap using the small tackhammer may help. Be careful not to disturb the springs within and make sure that your key is correctly installed prior to tapping. If you have to move the key before it will start, this is another indication that your cylinder has become damaged. This is a negative sign and must be fixed immediately, since it will only worsen over time. To examine the cylinder you'll need to disconnect your battery and remove the cover from your steering wheel until you can access the ignition module. The old ignition switch should be simple to take off, as will the metal ignition cylinder. If you don't have a spare switch, you might be able to bring your original ignition cylinder as well as switch to locksmiths for reuse so long as they're in good condition. After replacing the switch and cylinder, ensure that you reconnect the wiring harness and secure it and reattach any covers or panels that you have removed. 4. Check the Spark Plugs The spark plug is the ignition system's last link. The engine won't run in the event that the spark plug fails. It could be in the form of your car not starting at all, or it may start but not run well. 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 fuel mixture 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 injuries when touched with your naked skin. You may notice a light gray or brown fleck on the edge of the electrode if the spark plug is damaged. The electrode may also have an opaque coating. These deposits, also known as corrosion, can prevent high-voltage electrical current from crossing the spark plug gap and sparking your engine. If you think that your spark plugs are to blame You can test them by taking the plugs from their tube in the ignition coil. This can be done by disconnecting the coil from the plug wire and following the appropriate procedure for your car to remove the components that cover the spark plugs. Once you have removed the plugs you can place them on a surface that is grounded and then crank the engine. If they're good you should be able to see a strong blue spark across the gap at the tip of the central electrode. If van ignition repair do not see a spark, you've identified the problem. The next step is to go back through the ignition system chain, testing each component until you can determine what is stopping the spark plugs from performing their job. All systems wear out and eventually fail and this is especially relevant to ignition systems. However, regular maintenance can help reduce the wear and tear and prevent a major problem at the worst time.