If you can't get your car started, there are numerous causes this is occurring. One likelihood is that your ignition switch is malfunctioning. A worn-out ignition can be dangerous, so don’t put off getting it looked at by a professional. Examine your automobile carefully. In some instances, you can find the nature of the problem yourself.
Are You Having Trouble Starting Your Vehicle?
When you fire up the engine, the ignition coil pulls its power from the battery, sending it to the sparkplugs, which ignites the fuel so that your car will run. If you turn the engine over too many times, then you’ll probably drain the battery. If that's what you did, then there’s no power left to start it up again.
Be on the Lookout for these Warning Signs:
• while idling, you’re often prone to stalling
• you can't get your key in the ignition at all
• you may notice higher auto emissions
• your key comes out, even while the car's still running
• sometimes, the steering wheel sticks, or it actually becomes immovable
• you may observe increased fuel consumption
• you might see car battery problems
Reasons for Ignition Issues
Your transponder key isn’t communicating properly. This likely means its computer chip has lost its programming. You can reprogram your existing key; or, you can hire a locksmith professional to copy the existing cuts and program a totally new one. A topnotch expert automotive locksmith technician will know how to carry out the precise, exacting work necessary for this service.
Your ignition has been faulty since the beginning. Consult your manufacturer. If your car's still under warranty, the dealership ought to replace the ignition cylinder at no charge. If it’s not under warranty any longer, it’s time to call an automotive locksmith.
Your ignition’s set of wafers, which index with corresponding key cuts, are worn out, or jammed up with grime, which will definitely cause ignition switch failure. Individual wafer replacement, or a thorough cleaning, will make a complete replacement unnecessary.
The switch may be overheating. Is your ignition switch hot to the touch? Then there could be a short, which means the problem is in your electrical system. Because the ignition switch is connected to high-resistance wires, any of the terminals where the wires connect might overheat, and may even melt the insulating base. If this happens, your car will jerk violently and will not start.
Did you insert the wrong key in the ignition switch by accident? If you mistakenly put the incorrect key into the ignition, don’t try to get it out! You could do irreparable damage. Instead, call an automotive locksmith.
Is a broken-off key or maybe another minute object, lodged inside the lock mechanism? Don’t attempt repair yourself, because unless you know what you’re doing, you could cause irreparable damage that will cost you more. The broken key, or whatever the tiny obstacle is, can be properly removed by an automotive locksmith, and you shouldn't have to replace the entire ignition switch.
Has a car thief attempted to steal your automobile? A bungled vehicle theft can wreck havoc on your ignition switch and on the steering column. If you’ve had this misfortune, the whole ignition assembly will have to be replaced.
The key has simply suffered too much wear and tear. As time passes, the car key grows less and less effective, and can eventually stop working. If so, it needs to be remade, applying the factory key cutting codes for accurate cutting and complete functionality.
Inspect the Ignition Status
One sure sign of a bad ignition switch is that the instrument panel won't light up when your key is in the second position. When you insert the car key into the ignition switch and turn it, there are three basic status positions:
1. The “off” status position: No power is transmitted to the system.
2. The “on” status position: The dashboard lights illuminate, but the engine is still off.
3. The “start” position: You're placing full pressure on the key, and your engine fires up.
Check the dashboard. Regular wear and tear will lead to ignition switch failure eventually, particularly on an older car. If your ignition switch shows signs of failing, you may not hear clicks from the main relay. If you stall out, look at the dashboard lights. When you turn the key to the “on” status position, if the oil light, charge light, brake light, and other warning lights don’t turn on, then, for sure, something’s wrong.
Verify the ignition switch’s integrity. Put your key in the “start” status position. The moment you know it’s starting up, let go of the key, permitting it to snap back to the “on” status position. If the warning lights turn off when the switch snaps back, the switch is broken. You need to contact an automotive locksmith.
DIY
If you possess some automotive expertise, then you might be capable of servicing the ignition switch yourself. Be sure you know what you’re up against, because replacing an ignition switch isn't easy, especially on newer cars, because they commonly have anti-theft devices. You’ll render your automobile inoperable if you replace the ignition switch without utilizing the correct tools, and not taking the proper precautions! Believe it or not, the electrical current running through your vehicle’s system can cause bodily harm, so keep away all metallic objects from all the electrical wires. Before installing a new ignition switch, the process includes removing the steering column, disconnecting the battery cable from the battery terminal, removing the wiring harness connected to the ignition switch, and so on. If you harbor any doubts, let an automotive locksmith take care of it instead.
Hire an Automotive Locksmith Technician
Most of the time, it's really better to call a reputable professional. If you are located anywhere in Aurora, Colorado, choose a trustworthy automotive locksmith mobile specialist on staff at Aurora Master Locksmith, where free consultations are available.
