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Warning Signs That Your Vehicle Needs Ignition Repair An ignition switch that is jammed can be a major trouble. It can make you homeless and unable to operate your vehicle. To stop your ignition from becoming stuck, try lubricating it. This will help to ease any damage to the lock wafers and will help you get your car running once more. Symptoms It is located on the steering column or dash area, the ignition switch provides voltage to your vehicle's electrical systems and also activates the starter. As time passes, due to normal wear and tear as well as environmental factors, the switch can become faulty or stop working altogether. It is important to be aware of warning signs and get your vehicle repaired before the issue gets more serious. The first obvious sign is a difficulty starting your car. If you have trouble turning your key or it refuses to get into the ignition cylinder, it is usually due to excessive wear and tear on the internal cylinder or damage to the ignition switch. Try to reduce the strain on the ignition switch by using a lighter keychain, and avoid yanking, jiggling, or jerking. Electrical issues can also indicate a malfunctioning switch, for example problems with your radio or other devices, when you turn the ignition key to see lights flickering and intermittently shutting down. This is most likely the result of an electrical overcharge in the ignition switch and is a clear indication that it's time for you to have it checked by a professional. If your car's power steering and power seats do not function when you turn the ignition key, it could be an indication of a malfunctioning ignition switch. This may be caused by the internal contacts not supplying power, or a lack of current that prevents them from working. The ignition switch might be dirty or contaminated and this can often be resolved by spraying the inside with a special cleaning product such as WD-40. A malfunctioning ignition can also cause the motor to keep running even after the key is removed from the cylinder. This is a very dangerous situation that should be corrected immediately. This issue might be more difficult for you to identify if your car features a remote starter. You may have to remove the steering wheel to get to the ignition cylinder. Using a specialised tool to remove the steering wheel will help you safely disconnect the battery and unlock the ignition cylinder. Causes The ignition switch wears down over time. However, poor use or neglect can speed up the process. Repairs or replacements of the ignition switch may be required depending on the reason. The ignition key feels sticky or Hard to Turn A key that is difficult to turn can be a sign of a failing ignition switch. It is usually caused by an accumulation of dirt or water within the ignition housing. This can cause misalignment. This issue can be cured by checking the ignition switch regularly. If you do find any issues you must be able to address them right away to prevent the issue from becoming worse. Electrical Issues A faulty ignition can also cause electrical issues within the vehicle, like unresponsive dashboard lights or accessories. This is because the ignition switch controls the power to these systems as well as components. Stalling while driving A malfunctioning ignition can cause the engine to stall when driving. This can be hazardous particularly at higher speeds or in traffic. Ignition lock cylinder issues The ignition lock cylinder holds the key, and reads the anti-theft codes to allow the car to start. This mechanical part can wear down over time, but it may also be damaged by a defective key or by physical damage to the steering column or ignition switch. Spark Plugs and Wires Spark plugs and wires are required to start the engine. To ensure that the engine will start when you turn the ignition key and you want to start the engine, they must be in good shape. Worn spark plugs and wires can result in a difficult to start vehicle and can cause your ignition system to malfunction completely. Everything wears out over time, but a careful use of your vehicle as well as regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of an ignition switch as well as other components of your vehicle. Failure to address a problem with your ignition switch could put you and your family members at risk of serious injury or death. To avoid a potentially deadly situation, be sure to shut off the battery and disconnect the wiring from the ignition switch before working on it. Repair Options Many people get their car stuck in a locked position because the ignition switch isn't turning. It's important to know that this issue can be resolved if you're willing to invest in the proper tools. You can either repair the ignition switch or replace it entirely. You can make the decision but you'll need to weigh the cost. Failures of ignition switches can be caused by a variety of factors, such as worn springs or faulty contact points. Electrical and temperature issues could also influence the switch. In these situations replacing the ignition might be the best option. It is also important to avoid attempting to force the key into or out of the lock because this could cause further damage to the ignition system. It is important to seek help from a professional in the event of repairing an ignition. There are a variety of steps involved. The first step in most cases is to remove your battery. Once the battery has been disconnected, it is possible to remove covers made of plastic from the ignition switch and cylinder. It is important to use the right removal tool and consult a vehicle's repair manual while doing this. Once the plastic covers have been removed, it is possible to access the ignition switch and replace it. The ignition cylinder is also part of the ignition system, so in the event that the switch fails, the cylinder may be damaged. This is common in older vehicles and the cylinder could be repaired or replaced by a locksmith or dealer. The cylinder may also be damaged due to excessive wear and tear or an accident. It is important to note that in the event that the ignition switch is not working properly the key may also be broken or bent. If this is the case, a replacement master key could be required to ensure that the ignition system can recognize it. In some instances, the best solution is to replace the ignition switch or the lock cylinder. A replacement will be able to solve the problems that prevent the ignition system from starting the engine. This could be a cheaper alternative than repairing the entire ignition system. Cost Ignition coils are an essential element of the ignition system in your vehicle, and their failure can cause serious damage. A malfunctioning ignition coil could cause the engine to not start or turn over, regardless of whether it's due to corrosion or wear and tear. fix car ignition will need to replace the ignition coil, which could range from $150-$350. Mechanical engineers can complete this task in a variety of ways, with the overall cost determined by the model and make of your vehicle and its age. In general replacing an ignition switch is the least expensive option, whereas replacing a lock cylinder and key may be more expensive. It generally takes a professional mobile mechanic around one hour to replace an ignition switch. This repair requires removing the steering wheel, disconnecting the battery, and then removing any trim pieces covering the ignition switch in order to reach it. In some older vehicles you may also need a steering-wheel puller or locking-pin remover. Both are available for rental at many auto parts stores. The old ignition switch is removed and the new one installed. The electrical connector is then connected. The new ignition key cylinder will then be installed and the locking tab locked to the cylinder. The trim panels can then be reinstalled. On the other hand, replacing a lock key and cylinder could take as long as two hours. This task is more complicated than simply removing and installing the switch, and it will usually involve replacing the ignition control module, car battery or starter motor. This can be up to $1000 or more in total parts cost. It may also require a replacement key cylinder, and it's recommended to have an original key made by a locksmith rather than using a duplicate created by the dealer. It's worth the cost to hire a reputable mechanic to perform this kind of work, since DIY repairs can come with hidden costs. A mechanic who is reputable will be able to avoid such problems, thereby saving time and money.