A faulty ignition switch can make or break the difference when you’re running late for your meeting, or you need to have the peace of mind that your car is fully functional and ready to be used at any time.
Well, when you’re in a situation where your ignition switch has gone bad and isn’t working, is it still possible to start your car, or is it time to call a tow truck?
A faulty ignition switch usually needs replacement and won’t help you in emergency situations. However, there are different methods to diagnose and repair a faulty ignition switch, until you can get a permanent solution.
This article will talk about the different symptoms of a faulty ignition switch, the different problems that can cause an ignition switch to become nonresponsive, and how to start a car with a bad ignition switch.
So, make sure to read this article to the very end so you’re read up and know what to do in such a situation!
How to tell if your ignition is bad?
The first step in fixing a faulty ignition is knowing when it’s starting to break down.
If you experience any of the following, then chances are that your ignition switch is failing.
Auto nenastartuje
Broken internal wiring or wearing down of the ignition switch can cause the car to not start when you prime it.
This is a surefire symptom of ignition failure.
Steering wheel unable to move
If you feel that the steering wheel is stuck, and you can’t turn it, that may mean one of two things.
Either that the steering wheel is locked, or that the ignition switch is broken.
You can check this by inserting the key into the key slot and turning the wheel until you feel it is able to move freely again.
Auto stále stojí
If your car engine dies suddenly while driving, there is a chance this is due to a faulty ignition switch.
No engine noises
If you start the car and are not met with the familiar sound of your engine, that may mean that there’s an electrical issue or an issue with the ignition switch.
Causes of ignition switch malfunction
There are several different reasons why your ignition switch has decided to call it quits.
Some can be trivial and easily solved, while others might require special attention.
Worn keys
Chances are that your key has been used so much, that it has lost its ability to turn the ignition.
This is not unheard of, and the best solution would be to get your lockset replaced along with the ignition cylinder.
Vadný spínač zapalování
There is a possibility that the ignition switch itself is broken.
Essentially, the ignition’s job is to connect the different electrical parts of the vehicle in order to power them as per the situation.
These parts differ according to the position the key is in.
For example, in the ON position, the ignition will turn the starter relay on, whereas in the ACC position, you can only use certain electric devices like the radio or music player.
After making sure that the issue doesn’t lie with anything else, like the fuses, relays, circuits, etc., you might need to replace the ignition switch altogether.
imobilizér
Newer models of cars come with transponder keys, which enable the key to remotely connect with a chip inside the car to enable or disable the car.
This is to deter auto theft, but it could lead to the car not functioning and be mistaken as a fault with the ignition.
If the transponder key isn’t programmed with the car’s chip, then it can cause the car not to start.
If the key is damaged, this might also cause an issue with the transponder and thereby cause the car to not start.
Fixing this issue requires you to correctly the program the key with the immobilizer or replace the battery in the transponder key fob.
Ensure that the electronics aren’t broken by consulting with a professional, so you don’t waste time.
Starting a car with a broken ignition switch
If the problems we mentioned still weren’t solved, and you’re still unable to start the car, then there are some unorthodox methods that you can try to start the car.
Hotwire the car
For older models, pre-2000 would be more appropriate, Hotwiring the car bypasses the ignition switch altogether.
You will need to remove all the plastic covers of the steering wheel column and locate the wiring harness connector. This is usually located in the middle of the steering wheel column.
After this, you will need to locate the battery, ignition, and starter wires. These are color coded, with yellow and brown relating to ignition, and red for battery.
Once you’ve correctly identified these wires, you will need to strip the insulation off the battery wires (around an inch) and tie them together.
After this, connect the ignition wire (also stripped down an inch) to the battery wire, and the car’s electrical parts will begin working. This is akin to the key being inserted and turned to the ACC position.
This should be followed by stripping the starter wire from an inch of insulation and connecting it to the connected battery wires.
This should cause the engine to start up.
Drilling the ignition switch
If all else fails and you know that a faulty ignition switch doesn’t let your key start the car, you can drill into the keyhole for the same length your key has.
After this, you can insert a screwdriver and use it as a makeshift key to turn the ignition.
Beware that this will completely render your ignition beyond repair, and you will need to get it replaced.
Jumping the car
Another method is to connect the battery to the ignition coil. This is done by first locating the ignition coil and connecting the battery’s positive terminal to the positive coil.
After this, you will need to locate the starter solenoid and connect it to the battery’s positive terminal. Then unplug the ignition switch wiring connected to the solenoid.
Short the solenoid’s positive terminal with the ignition switch, and the car should start.
Závěrečné úvahy
Well, we hope this article was helpful, and you know the causes and solutions for a broken ignition.
Make sure to always consult a mechanic or professional and get a broken ignition switch fixed immediately.
Publikováno dne Poslední aktualizace: 28. června 2023
It’s a frustrating feeling when you go to start your car and the engine doesn’t turn over. You may think that it’s because the battery is dead, but sometimes the problem is with the ignition switch.
Ignition switch problems are mostly caused by water intrusion. The problem is both electrical and mechanical as the connectors get wet and corrode over time.
Another reason for an ignition switch failure can be loose connections which cause electrical failures because the circuit isn’t closed.
If your car has a bad ignition switch, don’t worry – we’re here to help! In this article, we will teach you how to start a car with a bad ignition switch.
How Does An Ignition Switch Work?
Most drivers take their car’s ignition switch for granted. They’re familiar with the process of starting the car, but many don’t know what actually happens when they turn that key or push that button.
What follows is an explanation of how an ignition switch works and some tips on how to make your vehicle start more easily in cold weather.
We will also talk about how you can prevent some types of problems before they happen by performing regular maintenance on your vehicle’s ignition system. First, though, let’s review some basics about automotive electricity.
A car’s electrical system is very much like the electrical system in your home. Your ignition switch controls the flow of electricity to three important parts of your vehicle:
- The battery (which provides power)
- The starter (which starts the engine)
- The ignition coil(s) (which make sparks for ignition)
When you turn on your ignition key, current flows from your battery through a wire that goes directly to the starter solenoid. This causes the solenoid to activate and pull in a lever that engages gear teeth on both sides of the starter drive shaft.
With all this gearing engaged, it takes much less effort for the motor to turn over – just enough so that it can supply its own power needs.
Next, let’s start the engine. When you turn the key to “Start,” it activates a switch that sends current to the ignition coil(s). The ignition coil converts electrical energy into intense heat and pressure, which makes a spark.
If the timing is correct, this spark ignites a small pocket of air/fuel mixture in each cylinder. The resulting combustion forces the pistons downward and turns the drive shaft, generating power that moves your car.
How Does An Ignition Switch Go Bad?
There are a few things that can go wrong with your car’s ignition switch. One of the most common problems is water intrusion. If your ignition switch gets wet, it can corrode and eventually fail. Another problem could be a loose connection, which could cause intermittent electrical failures.
The good news is that most of these problems are preventable by performing regular maintenance on your vehicle’s ignition system. You should have your ignition system checked at least once a year to make sure everything is in good working order.
Příznaky špatného spínače zapalování
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be time to replace your ignition switch:
- Your car won’t start when turning the key in the “Ignition” position.
- You hear a clicking sound coming from under or around where the steering wheel is located but nothing happens when turning over the engine with the starter motor (this could indicate that there’s an issue somewhere further down line such as poor connection at one end).
- There are sparks coming out near an electrical connection on top of the battery box which could cause fire hazards if left unchecked long enough so always check first just in case! This may mean there’s a bad ground somewhere causing excess current flow through either the positive terminal post itself or some other part connected between both terminals.
- Lights or other electrical items in the car are flickering when the engine is running. This might be an indication that there’s too much load on the system due to a bad connection someplace and the switch isn’t able to handle it, so it shuts down completely.
How To Start A Car With A Bad Ignition Switch
Now that we know how an ignition switch works, let’s take a look at some tips on how to start a car with a bad one:
- Try turning the key in the opposite direction. It may sound strange, but sometimes this can get the engine started.
- If your car has a manual transmission, try putting it in neutral and then turning the key.
- Use a jumper cable to start your car. Connect one end of the cable to the positive terminal on your battery and then connect the other end to the positive terminal on your friend’s battery. Make sure both batteries are fully charged before you do this!
- If all else fails, you may need to call a tow truck or take your car to a mechanic. Or try alternative methods!
