Ignition Switch Problems

An ignition switch is the first thing that you operate, when you get in, as it is the device that triggers the car engine to work. That makes it a car part, whose maintenance cannot be ignored at all. That's because, if the ignition switch is dead, your car doesn't start! Ergo, one needs to know how to troubleshoot ignition switch problems. This Buzzle article talks about common ignition switch issues that one needs to deal with as soon as possible.

Ignition Switch Function
To deal with ignition switch problems, one needs to understand its structure and working. Ignition switch can mean two connected devices in a car. One part is the lock cylinder inside, in which you insert your car key, to turn on the ignition and the other connected part is the actual electronic switch, situated behind the cylinder. This division of the cylinder and electronic switch is not the same in all cars. Some have an ignition switch which includes both these components in one unit.

The function of the ignition switch is to turn on the car engine. It achieves this function, by giving a push to the flywheel, through another gear put into action by an electric relay mechanism. All modern ignition switches come with a range of switching options. The available options generally are 'on', 'off', 'lock', 'start' and 'accessories'. The off position switches off the car systems, while the lock option, available in certain cars, lets you remove the keys after switching off. The start position is spring loaded and when you insert the key and turn it from off/lock position to start, the starter gear gets engaged momentarily and the car starts. Once you release your grip, the key turns to 'on' position, due to the action of the spring. This ensures that the starter gear is disengaged. Ignition switch problems can normally arise from malfunctioning of the locking cylinder or the electrical switch underneath.

Bad Ignition Switch Symptoms
One classic symptom of a bad ignition switch, is obviously a car not starting. However, this symptom is shared by many other underlying causes like a dead battery and a bad starter. So one way of deciding if you are dealing with ignition switch problems, is to eliminate other possibilities. Check the car battery with a voltmeter. If that's okay, then you must check the ignition switch working. If the warning lights on the car dashboard, don't turn on when the key is turned to 'On' position and if they do turn on, they do not shut off when you turn switch to the start position, then you are surely dealing with ignition switch problems.

Dealing with Ignition Switch Problems
The working of ignition switch is crucial, and therefore one should not compromise when it comes to dealing with ignition switch problems. The best way to repair an ignition switch is to replace it! Anything could go wrong from the locking mechanism to the electric switch. That is why ignition switch replacement is the best option to go for. Mostly, the problem lies with the electrical ignition switch inside. Here, I will give you a brief outline of ignition switch replacement procedure.

You will need to be armed with a new ignition switch assembly, screwdriver and wrenches. First thing to do is disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery. Next you must remove the steering column covers. After that you need to remove the entire steering wheel to gain access to the ignition switch mechanism. Before that disconnect the car's horn wire too. Next thing on the removal list are the switches for the windshield wiper and turning signals along with their wires.

Then you can remove the ignition switch by removing the mounting screws, along with the wiring. Then you can disengage the old key cylinder from the old switch. Replace the old switch with the new one and connect the old cylinder with the brand new ignition switch. Restore all the all the wiring connections as before and then put the other switches along with the steering wheel back in place. That is the entire ignition switch replacement procedure in brief. Specific instructions will vary according to car model.

Hope this article has given you a decent idea of how to diagnose and deal with ignition switch problems. Doing the troubleshooting job on your own, will come in handy in times of emergency, when you really need to fix things on your own. It goes without saying that it will save you a lot of money and reduce car repairs cost.