What Happens When Your Car Ignition Switch Fails?
A car ignition switch is responsible for powering your car's engine, as well as a variety of other systems. It's also a common source of problems, such as the difficulty of turning the key or dashboard lights that flicker.
The ignition switch operates by translating the key movements into positions that trigger a variety of functions. This article explains the fundamentals of ignition switches and how to fix or troubleshoot them.
The Ignition Position
It's one of the most overlooked car parts in the present However, the ignition switch is absolutely vital to your vehicle's operation. This tiny component allows you to turn on your engine, and also provides power to other systems in your vehicle, such as the radio, lights, and more. This is why it's so important to keep your ignition switch in good condition, and why you should know what happens when it goes wrong.
There are a variety of ignition switches available on market currently, and have different functions depending on their design. Traditional key operated switches, for example they use a tumbler and specially shaped keys to start the engine and then activate electrical systems. This type of ignition can be positioned either away from the lock cylinder and operated by mechanical linkage or connected to it. Modern ignition switches carry heavy current using electronic modules instead of tumblers and keys.
No matter what kind of ignition switch you have in your car, however, there are a few typical issues that can happen. Typically they are caused by wear and tear or external forces. A heavy keychain, for instance, can put strain on the ignition switch every time it is removed and inserted. This causes wear to the internals of the switch. Also, extreme temperature changes can impact the materials and lubricants in the ignition switch, causing the switch to degrade over time.
It's time to call in a professional if you notice any of these issues. The failure of the ignition can have grave consequences for your vehicle, so you should take care of any issues you spot promptly. You can also take preventative steps to reduce the likelihood that you'll have to face this issue in the future.
The Start Position
A car ignition switch is a basic piece of machinery that can make an enormous difference in the how your car functions. With a single flick of a switch or a push of the button, it will start your engine as well as numerous other systems. It is a vital component of your car that allows you to travel quickly and safely. However, like any other piece of machinery it will encounter issues from time to time. These issues can hinder you from starting your car, but could also cause damage to other components. Fortunately, you can avoid these problems with regular car maintenance and by identifying the early warning signs of ignition switch problems.
Most ignition switches are designed with four positions: lock, start, acc and accessory. The lock position prevents removing the key and you can't use accessories or crank your engine if the switch is in that position. The acc position, or accessory mode, provides power to accessories such as the radio even when the engine is not running. This mode could drain your battery, so you should use it sparingly.
The starting position is the one that drives everything that makes your engine run. This includes the coils, sensors and gauges that are in your dash. This also causes the spark plugs in your engine to ignite and produce combustion, which gets your vehicle moving. If you're having difficulty with this position, it may indicate a problem with your ignition switch.
You can test the operation of your ignition switch by using a multimeter to test continuity. You can also check whether the switch functions properly by placing your ignition key and turning the steering wheel to the left or right. If you find that the gears are difficult to turn, or the ignition switch is leaky, you must contact your local locksmith for assistance.
A bad ignition switch can also make it difficult to drive your car by making it hard to turn the steering. This could be a sign of a mechanical fault with the ignition switch that must be repaired, so it's recommended that you take your car into an expert when you notice any problems.
The Stop Position
When the key is in this position the circuits that receive electricity from the ignition switch are turned off. This includes the additional systems such as your radio, dash lights, and even your power seats. It also cuts electrical power to the mechanical lock within the steering wheel, so that you aren't able to turn the wheel while the vehicle is stationary. If you try to turn the engine while the key is in the "parked" position, the anti-theft system will activate and the car will stop.
Typically the key is held in this position while you are driving. This is because you can control the auxiliary systems as well as convenience features while keeping the engine off. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle the ignition switch may require you to press just a little before it goes into this position. This is done to ensure that it is recognizing the correct key and does not permit a random key to start the engine.
You may experience different signs that your ignition switch is faulty. Common symptoms include the engine refusing to start, a difficult time turning the key, and other accessories or other functions that suddenly cease to function. The ignition switch is a complicated component that requires replacement by an experienced auto mechanic.
To replace the ignition switch, you'll need to disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. Then, take off any plastic covers or pieces that hide the ignition cylinder from view. Once you've gained access, loosen the nut on the negative terminal and slide it off the cable. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions on where the battery is and how to safely disconnect it.
The Accessory Position
The ignition switch could be one of the smallest parts in your vehicle but it's a crucial part of the vehicle's function. It's also a frequent failure point, so you should know what happens when your ignition switch fails and how to determine the cause and how to fix it.
The ignition switch is often ignored until it fails to function properly. The switch is vital to the operation of nearly all parts of your vehicle and can prevent many problems. The key is inserted into a small cylinder and the switch activates it to allow power to flow to other systems.
Modern ignition switches utilize electronic modules instead of mechanical gears but they do the same thing - activating nearly all of your car's systems. In extreme situations, a defective ignition switch could cause your engine to overheat and eventually catch fire.
The accessory position, also known as ACC in your vehicle's manual, allows you to turn on certain accessories like your radio, headlights, and other electrical devices. They don't require the heavy current that would be required to start your engine, since they draw power directly from the battery. It's a great spot to play music or use your other devices while driving. But don't let it running for too long.
If the key in your car is hard to turn in the cylinder, or it isn't able to start at all the ignition switch likely to be malfunctioning. It may also be difficult to determine if the issue is with the switch, or if it's the ignition key itself that has problems. Check the key for signs of scratches and dents. Also, make car ignition key replacement that the key is stuck in the ignition. You can also check the wires inside the ignition switch. If the switch is in the accessory position it is likely to have a brown, pink, and red wire. However only the red wire is usually hot. If the wire is not generating power, it could be the ignition switch that's broken. Get help from a professional if that is the situation.