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How to Fix Car Ignition Problems A car won't start unless the ignition switch is sending an electrical signal to the starter motor. Over time wear and tear may cause the switch to fail. Using specialized tools, you are able to remove your steering column trim and access the ignition cylinder module. Check out your repair manual to learn how to do it correctly. 1. Make sure to check the Switch A malfunctioning switch is among the most frequently encountered ignition issues. It acts as an intermediary between two contacts, controlling the time when relays are activated and deactivated. Since it doesn't transmit the full power of devices such as the starter, it's a less powerful component that's less likely to fail. The switch could still be damaged or corrosion-prone. A defective switch can be recognized by a slow time turning the key. This could be due to a number of factors such as not inserting the correct key correctly or the mechanism being worn out over time. It's not unusual to see people confuse their keys with those of others. This can result in mechanical damage. Before contacting a locksmith, you may try a few options. First, you must ensure that the battery is fully charged and there aren't any electrical issues in the system. You should also check the voltage of every component to ensure that they are supplying enough power. Once you've completed these steps, you'll be able to begin troubleshooting. The ignition switch is simple to replace. It's connected to the ignition cylinder, which is a round module that holds everything together. It's necessary to use a flathead and something long enough for you to push the pin into. You can employ anything from a paintbrush to a kabob stick, but avoid anything that is brittle, as it can break into the hole. If you're ready for the work, you'll have to take away any trim pieces that cover the area around the ignition switch. Once you've done this, loosen and remove any screws that are holding the switch in place then carefully pull it out. Depending on the model, you may also need to disconnect any wires that connect to it. If you have a manual for the vehicle you own it will explain exactly how to do this. It's best to get the ignition switch replaced by an expert when it's not working. It's not easy to replace the ignition switch, without disabling your steering column. This could result in an unintentional airbag deployment if you do it incorrectly. Therefore, it's often best to have your local locksmith handle this for you. 2. Verify the Wire Your car may not start if it is difficult to turn the key or if it isn't starting. This could be due to a variety of components in the ignition system. It is important to know how the ignition system functions to identify issues and make the appropriate repairs. The ignition switch is an electric switch with multiple poles that is controlled by the key. It has four positions that are off run, accessory, and “lock.” When the switch is in the lock position (which usually has a red indicator) the ignition circuit is in operation and it's impossible to start the engine. To determine whether the ignition switch defective or if the ignition coil itself is bad, you must conduct a quick electrical test using an Voltmeter. The voltmeter should read approximately 12.6 volts when the ignition switch is in the run position. If the voltage drops below that, it indicates there's an open circuit in the system. This could be at the solenoid, the battery or even the ignition coil itself. Connect the electrical connector to the ignition switch to ensure that no other components interfere with your test. Then, set the voltmeter to the continuity or resistance mode and put one lead on one of the ignition switch's terminals. The other leads should go to the positive terminal on the battery. If the voltage meter shows “open” or does not register any voltage it's time to replace the switch. When you're changing the switch, make sure to use a new ignition cylinder and a good quality key cut to ensure that your car will run and start correctly. When replacing the switch, make sure not to strike the pins of the ignition cylinder with your tools. Otherwise, they will get stuck and the engine won't run. In certain vehicles, you'll need to remove the steering column and gear selector in order to access the ignition cylinder. This can be a challenge, and it is not recommended until you have an owner's manual that states it's safe. If you do not you could cause severe damage to your steering column and the shift mechanism. 3. Check the Cylinder If you have tried the battery, the wiring, and the ignition switch but still cannot start your car, it may be time to check the cylinder. It's the component that holds your key and is connected to the lock on the steering wheel so that a potential thief cannot control the car without a key. You may be noticing that your key does not rotate if the cylinder is worn out. The pins inside the cylinder could become stuck as they adjust to your key's shape. This could cause your vehicle to not start. Or, the cylinder might be shaky and a tap using the tack hammer may assist in releasing it. Be careful not to mix with the springs and ensure that the key is properly inserted. If you have to move the key before it will start, this is another sign that your cylinder has gone bad. This is a bad sign and must be addressed immediately as it will only worsen over time. To examine the cylinder, you'll need to take off the cover on the steering wheel and disconnect the battery. The old ignition switch should be simple to remove, as well as the metal ignition cylinder. If car ignition lock don't own an extra switch, you may be able to take the original ignition cylinder and switch to locksmiths for reuse so long as they're in good working order. After replacing the switch and cylinder be sure to reconnect the wiring harness, secure it in place and then reattach any covers or panels you've removed. 4. Check the Spark Plugs The spark plug is the ignition system's last link. If it fails, the engine can't run. It could be in the form of your car not running at all, or it could start but then run poorly. In either case, it is likely that one or more things are hindering or preventing electricity from jumping across spark plug gaps, which in turn ignites the mixture of fuel and air inside your engine. Before you begin working on your spark plugs, be sure that you are working on a safe surface, using gloves and tools that are protected to keep from getting hit with. Spark plugs can be very hot and cause serious injuries if touched by hands without gloves. You might notice a light gray or brown fleck on the tip of the electrode if the spark plug is defective. The electrode could also have a dark layer. These deposits, or fouling, can stop high-voltage electrical current from crossing the gap between the spark plug and sparking your engine. If you suspect that your spark plugs might be the culprit you can test them if you remove the plugs from their tube inside the ignition coil. This can be done by disconnection of the coil and the plug wire. Then, you'll have to follow the proper procedure for your car to remove the components that cover the plugs. After removing the plugs, place them on a surface that is grounded and begin the engine. If they're good you should see a strong blue spark across the gap in the middle of the central electrode. If you don't see a spark, you've found the issue. The next step is to go back through the ignition chain, testing each part until you discover what's blocking the spark plugs from doing their job. It's important to remember that all systems wear down and break over time, and this is especially applicable to ignition systems. But, regular maintenance can help to slow down the process and avoid a major headache at the worst possible time.