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Having Ignition Cylinder Problem? Here's what to do
If you are having trouble starting up your vehicle, there are several reasons it could be happening. One possibility is that your car’s ignition switch is failing. If so, then it’s time to investigate further. In some cases, you can discover the nature of the problem yourself. A worn-out ignition can prove to be a hazard, so don’t ignore it.
Causes of ignition problems:
A broken key or other foreign object is lodged in the lock mechanism. Don’t try to repair this problem unless you’re a mechanic!
An ignition commonly fails because it’s been faulty since the beginning. Check with your car manufacturer. If your automobile is still under warranty, then the dealership should replace the ignition cylinder for nothing. If it’s no longer under warranty, then find a reputable automotive locksmith specialist.
Your car key may have sustained too much wear and tear. Over time, a car key becomes increasingly ineffective, and eventually it can stop working. If so, it will have to be remade, applying the factory key cutting codes, so as to ensure that the key is precisely cut and fully functional.
Your transponder key isn’t communicating. This may mean that the computer chip has lost its programming. You can get your existing key reprogrammed; or, you can hire a professional locksmith to duplicate the existing cuts to program a totally new transponder key. A consummate professional automotive locksmith specialist will be able to provide the precision necessary to properly carry out this exacting service.
Your key ignition’s set of wafers, which index with corresponding cuts on the car key, are worn out, or mucked up with grime, which causes the ignition switch to fail. Basic cleaning, or individual wafer replacement, will be effective, so a full replacement likely won’t be required.
A car thief has tried to steal your vehicle. A bungled theft can often wreck havoc on your ignition switch and steering column. If this has happened, then it’s time to replace the entire ignition assembly.
You’ve inserted the wrong key into the ignition switch. If you mistakenly stuck the incorrect key in the ignition, then don’t try to pull it out! Attempting to extract the key yourself can cause further damage, which could be irreparable. Hire a dependable locksmith immediately!
Problems starting your car:
Whenever you fire up your vehicle, the ignition coil gets its power from the battery, sending it to the sparkplugs, which ignites the fuel, making the car run. If you have to turn the engine over too many times trying to start it up, it’s possible you could drain the battery. If so, there won’t be any power left to start it again.
Check the ignition status:
In general, when you put your key in the ignition switch and turn it, there are 3 positions:
- The “off” status position: No power is being transmitted to the system.
- The “on” status position: The dashboard lights come on, but the engine remains off.
- The “start” position: You exert full key pressure, and the engine fires up.
One definite sign of a faulty ignition switch is that your instrument panel doesn’t illuminate when the key is in the second position.
Overheating:
If your ignition switch is hot to the touch, then the problem probably originates in the electrical system. There may be a short. Since the ignition switch is connected to high-resistance wires, any of the terminals where these wires are connected can overheat, and can even melt the insulating base. If this occurs, your car will jerk violently and won’t start.
Monitor your dashboard lights:
Natural wear and tear eventually leads to ignition switch failure, particularly if your automobile is an older model. If your ignition switch is beginning to malfunction, you may not hear any clicks from the main relay, which fires it up. If your vehicle stalls, look at your dashboard lights. When you turn the key to the “on” (position 2), if the oil light, charge light, brake light, and other warning lights don’t turn on, then something’s certainly wrong.
Try this test to check the integrity of the ignition switch: When you put the ignition key at the “start” position (position 3), as soon as you see it’s starting, let go of the key, and allow it to snap back to the “on” position. If your warning lights go off when the switch snaps back, then, for sure, the switch is broken. It’s time to call an automotive locksmith.
Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- the key comes out, even if the car’s running
- you may notice increased auto emissions
- you’re seeing car battery problems
- you might observe higher fuel consumption
- the steering wheel sticks at times, or even becomes immovable
- when idling, your vehicle is prone to stalling
- you can’t get the key in the ignition at all
DIY:
If you possess automotive expertise, you could try servicing the ignition switch yourself. Keep in mind that replacing an ignition switch is no easy task, especially in newer cars, because they often have anti-theft devices. Removing or replacing your ignition switch without the correct tools, and without taking the proper precautions, will render your vehicle inoperable! The electrical current running through your car’s system can even cause you bodily harm, so be sure to keep all metallic objects away from all electrical wires. The whole process will involve removing the steering column, disconnecting the battery cable from the battery terminal, removing the wiring harness connected to the ignition switch, and so forth, before you can install a new ignition switch.