How to Know You Have Car Ignition Issues

Car ignition problems can arise at any time – typically, though, they won’t happen in brand new vehicles. They seem to happen over time, sometimes as the result of wear and tear, and sometimes because of other issues. There are some surefire ways to know that you are having car ignition issues. We have put together information that points customers in the right direction if they are concerned that there is a potential issue with the vehicle’s ignition. We will start with the basics!

What is the responsibility of the ignition?

The ignition is used to start the vehicle. It’s also a security mechanism. Why? Because it requires the use of a key with a matching code to start the car. Over the years, vehicle manufacturers have done a great job at creating theft deterrents.

How will I know if something is wrong with the ignition?

Numerous problems can come up that will alert you that something is wrong. Of course, there are occasions in which multiple problems could be the potential culprit. But here, you will find the most common concerns discussed. For example…

1. The vehicle will not start.

Of course, if your car won’t start, there are numerous things that could be causing the issue. For one, you might have a dead battery. You could also have a sensor that is faulty. If you have determined that the problem isn’t the battery or a sensor, then a lock and security provider or your local dealership can take a look at the ignition. And of course, if you are beginning to see signs that your battery is dying, it is important to have it changed out. You don’t want to end up stuck somewhere!

1. There are problems when you try to start the vehicle.

We aren’t talking about having to press on the accelerator as you turn the key in the engine. We are talking about wear and tear inside of the ignition cylinder that causes the key to stop working while in certain positions. Sometimes, the key just needs to be reprogrammed. Other times, the ignition cylinder needs to be replaced. Again, this is something that a professional will be able to help you with. Whether you opt to turn to a local locksmith, a mechanic or even your vehicle’s dealership is entirely up to you.

1. The ignition turns and the engine cranks, however, you are still unable to start the car.

When this happens, there is plenty of room for it to be the result of other problems. You could have a theft protection mechanism that isn’t working correctly. On the other hand, it could be that there is something wrong with the ignition cylinder switch. Unfortunately, if you don’t have experience in this area and know specifically what to look for, you probably aren’t going to be able to do much on your own. In this case, it is a wise idea to talk with an expert, whether you opt to speak with a locksmith or a dealership. Bear in mind that you don’t want to cause additional problems by making a mistake in trying to repair your vehicle.

1. The engine stops working sometimes while the vehicle is being operated.

A worn out ignition switch could be the culprit. What ends up happening at times is that the electrical contacts which are located in the ignition cylinder start to get tarnished or corroded. The engine can end up misfiring when this occurs. You can try to prevent wear and tear from becoming extremely problematic by doing things like making sure your key ring isn’t very heavy. If you have a lot of items on your key ring, such as several keys, fobs, or decorative pieces, you might be putting too much weight on the ignition cylinder. Too much weight can cause excessive wear and tear over time. This is a very simple and quick fix.

1. Sometimes when there is an ignition problem, inserting and removing your key becomes an issue as well.

Worn cylinders can end up leading to electrical interference. If you keep having to insert your key and end up twisting it around so that it will work, you might find that it eventually won’t fit inside at all. When this becomes a problem, the key could end up getting stuck completely, which might call for broken key extraction or even the replacement of the ignition cylinder.

Other things to make note of

If your ignition switch and your steering column are beginning to heat up then it is a good idea to look for corrosion. Ignition switch replacement tends to be the solution for this. Does your ignition switch get noticeably warm when you start your vehicle? When you start the engine, if the ignition switch is getting hot, the issue is very likely the ignition switch. Again, the solution just might be to change the ignition switch. If your battery seems to be in full working order, but the vehicle will not start, then an ignition problem could be the cause for concern. Your ignition switch should be replaced if a warning light does not come on when you turn the key in the ignition cylinder. This tells you that the concern is in fact the ignition.

Turn to an expert, if in doubt.

If you are looking for a service such as ignition cylinder replacement then you should get in touch with a locksmith that you can trust. Automotive services are often available right in your local area, and you don’t always have to hire a mechanic to get the job done. Sometimes, people are weary about going to mechanics because they feel that they will be pressured to buy services that they don’t really need.