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How to Fix Ignition Switch Problems Problems with ignition switches can be dangerous, and you could be stuck on the road. To fix it you'll require a professional locksmith who can help in the repair of your ignition cylinder. If you don't do it correctly, disabling your steering column can cause the airbag to release. To avoid this, you should have an expert mechanic perform the task. 1. Your key won't turn The ignition switch is a very important component of your vehicle. It is responsible for virtually every function that your vehicle can provide including turning on lights and accessories to turning on the engine. Although it is so important however, it's surprisingly susceptible to problems. These issues can make driving dangerous or even impossible. It's important to fix these issues as quickly as you can. The most common issue is that your key won't turn on in the ignition. This issue is likely caused by dirt, or other debris, that has accumulated in the lock. It is possible to resolve this problem with a little grease. Simply spray a silicone-based lubricant into the lock, then insert your key and try rotating it. If the key doesn't turn, try again after a couple of minutes and spray some more lubricant. The ignition switch could be stuck in “off”. In this case you must apply the parking brake to avoid any force that is too strong. If you do, you may damage the ignition switch. If this happens, it's recommended to consult an expert and get the switch replaced. It's possible that the ignition is broken. In this case it is essential to get a professional to replace the switch. The ignition switch is crucial to the operation of your vehicle, and it's essential to keep it in good condition. This will prevent a range of issues, including the inability to start the engine. Follow the steps in this guide to keep your ignition switch in good working order for many years. 2. Your car isn't starting The ignition switch is a crucial part of starting your vehicle. It also controls other systems, such as the lights, infotainment and power windows. If you don't do it right you could lose all or most of the features. The lock cylinder and switch may be damaged by excessive use, corrosion or even the aging process. The key can get worse by jiggling, yanking or jamming it. Luckily, it isn't difficult to tell when your ignition switch is operating in a faulty manner. When your car starts, but it doesn't continue to run, this is an indication that your ignition switch may be defective. This means that your engine isn't able to produce electricity, get fuel or create compression. It's best to seek professional help if you notice this issue to ensure it's fixed correctly. Another common sign of a malfunctioning ignition switch is if your engine stalls while driving. This can be dangerous for other road users. This issue could be due to a failing ignition switch or caused by something else, such as the alternator or spark plugs. There are a few things you can do to prevent problems with the ignition switch from happening in the first place. One is to cut down on the number of times that you use your key, because this can wear down the mechanisms of the switch over the course of. You can also apply a graphite or silicone-based lubricant to keep your switch and cylinders in good condition. Keep your switch lubricated to prevent it from causing jams or binding. This can solve a variety of issues that would otherwise need the ignition switch replaced. 3. Your Car Won't Start at All The ignition switch is a complex mechanism that contains many small details. It is connected to the electrical system of your car via wires. It is a very fragile part of your car and could break due to a variety of reasons, including issues with temperature or worn switches' contacts. When this occurs, your engine will not start, and it could even shut down while you're driving. This is a very dangerous situation, and you must call your local locksmith as fast as you can to resolve the issue. If you have an extra key, you can try to use it to see whether the issue is in the key or the ignition switch. If the ignition switch functions correctly and your key is the problem, a locksmith can create a new one for you. You can also take the key off the key ring and test the ignition switch. A malfunctioning ignition switch could cause your car to stall while you are driving. This could be very dangerous for other drivers, and is a sign that you should replace it immediately. It's not much you can do to keep your ignition switch running. However, lubricating it every now and then could be helpful. Before you do this, however you must consider safety first by disconnecting the battery. Then, remove the steering wheel trim and any plastic coverings that may be blocking the ignition cylinder from view. It is common to find a clip or tab that you must press in order to release them. After hop over to here have removed the covers, you can access the cylinder by loosening a nut that holds the cable to the negative terminal. 4. Your car won't start with the key It's easy to overlook the complicated sequence of events that occur when you insert your ignition key in. We seldom think about how much work is required to make it all happen, but it's vital to make sure that your ignition switch on your car is operating properly. A defective ignition can leave you stranded by the side of the road or cause your car to stall out when driving. This is a major safety risk. By taking care of your ignition switch early on will prevent the problem from getting worse and help keep you safe on the road. If your car isn't starting with the key at all, this is a clear sign that the ignition switch needs to be replaced. It's a complex procedure that requires removing the steering column and disabling airbags. We recommend hiring an expert mechanic to do this for you. Sometimes, a key may feel stuck in the ignition but will turn freely once it is jiggled. In this case the ignition switch could require a bit of oil to get it back to functioning correctly. It is essential to avoid using penetrating oils as they can damage the electrical circuits in the ignition switch. Many sources recommend tapping the key with a hammer while it's in the ignition to help break up any corrosion or rust. This is a dangerous and irresponsible thing to do because it could result in breaking the key or even the cylinder of ignition. It's also possible to accidentally unlock a vehicle belonging to someone else because vehicles have fewer tumblers compared to door locks. This can happen even if your keys are the same! 5. The car won't start if you use the key If the ignition key is hard to turn inside the cylinder, it may be an indication that the ignition switch is broken. If you cannot start your car with the ignition key, it could be the sign of a bad starter relay, solenoid, or battery. Although preventative maintenance can help reduce wear and tears on your ignition switch it is still prone for failure, especially after many years of use. If you've been noticing indications of a malfunctioning ignition switch, contact an experienced auto repair shop and make an appointment to get the issue fixed before it gets any worse. The ignition switch is a small electrical component that acts as a bridge between two contacts, activating and deactivating relays to channel the full power required to start the engine of your car. It's not a robust component and is more susceptible to wear and tear than the more substantial components in your vehicle. It's crucial to replace your ignition switch when you spot any issues. In the majority of cases, a replacement is an easy and quick fix that shouldn't cost more than $30. You may need to remove trim depending on the model and make of your vehicle in order to access the ignition switch. You'll need the right tools to remove electrical connectors, and possibly remove screws that hold the ignition switch in place. Follow the instructions in your car's manual to avoid damaging other electrical components. You'll need access to the switch to replace it, and then connect the connections that are required.