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Common Causes of Faulty Ignition Switches Ignition switches are the first source of power to your car's accessory and engine. They also determine if your vehicle's keys are in the accessory on or off position. To avoid problems with the ignition switch Keep spare keys and keepsakes on a separate chain that is not connected to the car's keys. This will help reduce the stress on the cylinder of your car's key. How the Ignition Switch works The ignition switch is at the core of your car. It is the first thing you do when getting ready to start your car and the last thing you would want to malfunction. It is therefore crucial to have the ignition switch repaired or changed as soon as there are any indications of trouble. The ignition switch's primary function is to supply power to other systems of your vehicle, including the radio as well as accessories and windows. The ignition switch is responsible for turning on the starter motor and engine when the key is turned to the “on position. In order for the ignition system to function it must have spark that can ignite the air and fuel inside your car's engine to start. The spark is produced by the ignition coil, which creates a magnetic field around the rotor as current passes through it. As the rotor spins, the magnetic field grows and the ignition spark is released. This spark can turn the pistons of your engine, sparking them and triggering it. The ignition switch controls electrical current that flows through the primary and secondary circuits of your ignition system. When the switch is set to the “on” position the battery sends low voltage current through the primary windings of your ignition coil and then through the points of the breaker. This creates a magnet field that can ignite spark plugs, and spin the rotor. When the ignition switch is set to “start”, the primary and secondary circuits are closed. When the distributor and rotor cap terminals rotate, the electrical contact between them is broken, which stops the secondary flow and closes the primary circuit. This causes the breaker points to close and create a spark at the spark plug, which will then fire the engine in a matter of seconds. It is essential to keep in mind that the ignition switch is a delicate piece machinery and should not be subjected to any force that is too strong when inserting it or turning it. If you apply too excessive force, the switch could fail, and you'll need an expert to remove it to repair it. Common Ignition Switch Problems It is important to maintain the ignition switch in good shape because it provides the initial access to the power of your vehicle. A malfunctioning ignition switch can lead to numerous car issues that make it difficult for you to drive your vehicle or use your favorite accessories. Understanding the causes that are common to failure of the ignition switch is a crucial first step in diagnosing and fixing your car's problems. If you have trouble turning the key it could be an indication that your ignition switch is malfunctioning. This could mean you need to jiggle the key or turn it several times. This is caused by internal wear and tear or other damages to the ignition switch. Heavy Keychains When you insert the ignition key, a large keychain that contains a variety of keys, key fobs and other accessories could put additional pressure on the switch. This can cause the switch to overheat, which can accelerate its internal degradation and wear. Extreme temperaturesHarsh climates may negatively impact the lubricants and materials in the ignition switch. This can accelerate its degrading process over time. The environmental contaminants and moisture can also affect the switches internal components. This can result in poor connectivity. Manufacturing Defects Certain ignition switches have flaws or design flaws that could cause premature wear and damage. This could be because of poor materials, assembly errors or other issues. A customer once brought their vehicle into our shop after the dashboard and radio lights were not working. We found that the ignition switch was not supplying power to the accessories. This is a problem because the ignition switch should only provide power to the accessory's position and the crank position when it's turned on. Another problem with the ignition switch is if the key becomes stuck inside it. This is typically a sign that the ignition switch has damaged or worn out and it will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will be able to remove the key from the ignition switch with tools such as hacksaw blades or a piler. Ignition Switch Replacement The ignition switch transmits signals to activate important car systems. It can cause your car to not start and affect other electrical components. It is recommended to replace it as soon as possible if you notice any signs that the key is not functioning properly. You can replace the switch by yourself, but be cautious. It is important to engage an expert to take care of this delicate task. You do not want to get stuck in traffic or cause an accident. If your switch isn't working, it could be due to a worn out contact point or a bad connector. Heavy keys or a long keyring can also wear on the cylinder and switch eventually causing it to break off from the cylinder. You'll notice that turning the key requires more force and at times, nothing occurs. This indicates it's time to replace the ignition switch, however many people do not bother. They continue to try to turn their keys to start their vehicle. Depending on your vehicle's make and model, replacing the ignition switch can be straightforward or complicated. In most instances, a technician must take off the cover for the steering column and disconnect the switch from the cylinder. The technician will then remove the switch that was previously installed and replace it with the new one. The mechanic will then test the switch and connect the electrical connections before finishing. Certain vehicles come with an anti-theft feature that requires a key to turn the car on. The switch will then need to be reprogrammed to accept the new key after it is replaced. This does not apply to all vehicles, since older models can be started by using an ordinary key in the event that the ignition switch fails. However, the majority of modern vehicles require a key that is 'chipped' to start them. Therefore, the switch will need replacing when the key is replaced. Ignition Switch Repair The ignition switch is responsible to turn off and on the electrical power for the starter, accessories and powertrain components in your vehicle. The ignition switch is the primary communication channel that delivers power to all these parts. If it fails, your car may lose power in a variety of locations. This is the reason you must be attentive to indications that the ignition switch requires repair or replacement. When ignition key replacement cost have trouble turning the key in the ignition, it is a sign that your ignition switch is failing. If you are struggling to turn the ignition, it's an indication that the wafers within the ignition switch are worn out. This could be due to frequent use or environmental factors like dust, dirt, and corrosion. A common problem is a stalling engine while driving. This is usually caused by the ignition switch not being able to supply the engine with enough power and can be a source of frustration and dangerous for drivers. It is best to go to your local auto repair shop immediately if you discover any issues with your ignition switch or lock cylinder. The accessory relays might not be functioning too this is a sign that the ignition switch is malfunctioning. It is also possible to notice the dashboard lights flickering. If you think your ignition switch is damaged the first step is to remove the trim around the steering wheel and dash. This will let you gain access to the ignition switch, which is located on a round module at the top of the steering column, or in the center console. The screws that hold the module need to be removed and the wire connectors will have to be loosen with the help of a screwdriver. Then, you can remove the old ignition and replace it with a new one. Be sure to test it prior to building it up again and make sure that the switch can be turned into the ON position and then back to the START position. You should also re-connect the battery and make sure that your accessories are working.