An ignition switch is a key piece of equipment to start any vehicle, making a connection between the battery and the starter motor to turn the engine over.
But a bad ignition switch throws a wrench into the works, and it can prevent your car from starting as it normally would.
If the problem has just occurred and you’re stranded, or if you’ve been waiting for parts to arrive or finances to get the job done, you may still be able to start your car. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Ignition Switch?
The ignition switch is an assembly that contains the ignition lock cylinder. The ignition switch has the responsibility of starting the car and powering certain parts of the car, such as the electronic parts, ignition, and engine.
Because the ignition switch delivers the electrical power to the vehicle’s electrical accessories, it is important to keep it in good working order throughout the life of the vehicle.
How Does an Ignition Switch Work?
The ignition switch operates like any other switch does mechanically – when the contacts change position, it directs power to the circuit or circuits that are selected and cuts power to those that aren’t selected. There are commonly four positions to an ignition switch:
- Off. In the OFF position, your vehicle is parked and the engine isn’t running. The ignition-controlled electrical systems are off, and only non-ignition related circuits like the lights continue to operate.
- Accessory. In the accessory or ACC position, systems like infotainment and power windows are often enabled, letting you use limited functions while you’re in the car without the engine running.
- On. When the ignition is in the ON position, systems like the HVAC controls and dash instruments are on. Essentially, any systems that are enabled when the engine is running are on at this point, and it’s the position your ignition needs to be in when the car is running also.
- Start. The START position is only momentarily powered when the engine is cranking over. This position powers the starter circuit.
The power for all of these circuits does not flow through the ignition switch. Rather, it’s a low current that’s used, and they operate relays to make these functions work.
Another important aspect of many ignition switches is the anti-theft or immobilizer system. ‘Chipped’ or programmable keys broadcast an RFID, and only an ignition switch that can read the corresponding ID will allow the key to start the car.
Ignition Switch Location
Your ignition switch is usually located on the back of the ignition lock cylinder where you insert your car key.
To reach the ignition switch, you often have to remove all the covers around the steering wheel and disassemble the whole ignition lock cylinder.
In some car models, you can remove the ignition switch from the ignition barrel, but sometimes, it is an integrated part.
What are the signs of a bad ignition switch?
The most common symptoms of a bad ignition switch are a car that won’t start or a stalling engine while driving. If you notice a blinking instrument cluster or your ignition stays on after removing the key, it’s also a strong sign it’s bad.
Here is a more detailed list of the signs of a bad or failing ignition switch to look for:
#1. Car Won’t Start.
When you turn the key in the ignition, two stages should happen. The first stage is that the ignition should turn on. When you turn it slightly further, the ignition should still be on, but the ignition switch should also send a signal to the starter motor to turn.
Inside the ignition switch, there is an electrical part connecting electrical circuits when you turn the key. If this small part is worn, it may struggle with this, and if any of these two steps are missing, your car will not start at all.
This can either cause the starter to turn the engine without firing it up, or cause the starter to be completely dead.
#2. Car Stalls While Driving.
The same thing applies here, as mentioned before – if there is a bad connection in the ignition switch, it can cause the ignition to shut off when it should not.
This can cause your car to shut off while you are driving suddenly. The easiest way to diagnose this is by looking at your dashboard.
If all lights on the dashboard are dying together with the car engine – there is a big risk that something is wrong with your ignition switch.
#3. Blinking Dashboard or Other Accessories.
Another problem that you may notice is that the lights on your dashboard or other electrical accessories inside your car are blinking or turned on and off sporadically.
This signifies that the ignition switch’s connection plate is bad, and it may be caused by corrosion or wear.
This is most often something that is not fixable, and you have to replace the ignition switch. Luckily, you can often replace the ignition switch instead of the whole ignition lock.
#4. Ignition is constantly turned On.
Imagine you drove your car and wanted to shut it off. You turn off the ignition and remove the key, but to your surprise, the car is still running. This can happen because of a bad ignition switch, although it is not very common.
If the immobilizer is unlocked once, it does not need to recognize the key again until the car is restarted, and therefore the car will run fine without the keys in the ignition.
#5. Key Won’t Switch Ignition On.
Perhaps your key can be inserted and turns inside the barrel, but your ignition still doesn’t switch on. As long as the vehicle’s battery contains sufficient charge, this would indicate a faulty ignition switch.
Some ignition switches will allow the electrical unit on the back of the key barrel to be changed independently of the barrel itself. However, it’s more common for the entire ignition switch to be sold as a complete unit.
#6. Key Won’t Turn.
This is a common fault on keys that have a more cylindrical shaped design to their blade. Over time the notches and groves round off and go smooth. This prevents the key from being able to move the various pins inside the barrel into the correct positions.
If the pins aren’t moved into position, then the key won’t turn. Again, this is a fault that will often gradually get worse and worse, so try and get the key blade replaced if you notice that it’s rounded as soon as possible.
Causes of a Failing Ignition Switch
It’s no surprise that the most common cause of a bad ignition switch is wear and tear. The more ignition key cycles performed, the higher the likelihood of an ignition switch failure. Also, causes can include:
- Corrosion on the terminals
- Bad wiring
- Loose connections
- Electrical surges or shorts
- Physical damage from an attempted theft
How to start a car with a bad ignition switch?
Let’s now go through some ways to learn how to start a car with a bad ignition switch and get out of this unwanted situation.
The Drill And Screwdriver Method
How do you bypass the ignition switch to start a car? You can use the drill and screwdriver method, however, this causes damage to the ignition system. Drill into the keyhole to the same length a key enters the ignition.
This will damage the internal pins of the ignition system but you’ll come across the system. Now use the screwdriver like a key and turn it inside the ignition. This should start your car.
Hotwiring The Car
Another effective way to start a car with a bad ignition switch is hotwiring. You can learn how to start a car with a bad ignition switch if you are familiar with hotwiring. There are some steps you should be aware of to hotwire a car.
Moreover, it is equally important not to try this technique on a vehicle you don’t own or if you don’t have the owner’s discretion to carry out the process.
Use Jumper Cables
You can start a car with a bad ignition switch using jumper cables. Follow the below-mentioned steps to effectively use this method.
- Open the car hood
- Locate the battery and ignition coil
- Use a jumper cable to connect the positive terminal of the battery to the coil’s positive side
- Get a hold of the starter solenoid and connect it to the battery’s positive terminal
- Remove the ignition wiring from the solenoid
- Use a screwdriver and short the positive terminal of the solenoid to the point where the ignition switch connects
These steps should help you start the car. Additionally, there are some other ways to jumpstart a car without another car which can come in handy during times of need.
All these methods can help you start a car with ignition switch problems. However, these practices can come in handy if you need immediate assistance.
It is advised to take your vehicle to the service station as the professionals know better how to fix a bad ignition switch.
Additionally, hotwiring and drilling methods can damage your vehicle and you may end up bearing an additional expense. Therefore, the priority should be to let the professionals handle these matters.
This was everything you needed to know to learn how to start a car with a bad ignition switch. A faulty ignition switch is among the common car problems.
However, with timely maintenance and good driving habits, you can minimise the chances of encountering ignition issues.
That said, if you have a car with a keyless ignition, check out these common keyless ignition issues to remain aware of possible problems. Moreover, modern cars come with unique features such as keycards and smartphone apps for unlocking vehicles.
How do you test an ignition switch?
We know that An ineffective ignition switch can cause many errors. We’ve already known how to start without an ignition switch and how to bypass it. So, it is time to know whether my ignition switch is in good condition or not.
In this section, we’re going to diagnose the ignition switch faults and know how to test the ignition switch with a multimeter or with a test light.
As we know before that the main function of the ignition switch is to provide electricity to the ECU and the ignition coil.
So, it has two wires coming out of it. One goes to the ECU, and the other to the ignition coil module. The first thing we’ve to do is detach the switch from its slot.
Using multimeter
You’d better start testing by getting the switch to the OFF position. Connect the positive probe of the multimeter to the switch’s power feed wire and connect the negative probe to any unpainted metal in the car.
Now turn the key to the RUN position and set the multimeter to measure voltage. Read the voltage. If you get any result showing less than 90% of the battery voltage, you may have a fault in the ignition switch.
Using test light
If you don’t have access to a multimeter, don’t worry. You can still test your ignition switch using a 12 V test light. Turn the key to the OFF position then disconnect the module’s cable connector.
After that, disconnect the starter motor solenoid’s S terminal, this will prevent the engine from cranking even when turning them into RUN position.
Turn the key to the RUN position. Connect the red wire to the test voltage. Then do the same at the ignition coil’s battery post. Then put the key to the start position and connect the ignition switch white wire.
This should make the lamplight on. If there is no light, then there is a faulty switch.
How to Diagnose Failing Ignition Switch
If you suspect that your ignition switch is acting up, diagnosing the issue can be a bit tricky. After all, a number of things could cause the symptoms mentioned earlier, including a dead battery, faulty alternator, or issues with the starter motor.
But there are a few ways to narrow it down to the ignition switch:
Step 1: Check for Power Flow
If your car isn’t starting, start by checking if power is flowing through the system. Turn the key to the “on” position and check the dashboard lights.
If the lights come on and the radio works, but the engine doesn’t turn over, the issue might lie with the ignition switch or starter motor.
Step 2: Listen for Clicks or Grinding Noises
When you turn the key, pay attention to any unusual sounds like clicking or grinding. These noises often indicate problems with the ignition switch or the starter motor. If the sound is coming from the ignition switch, it’s a red flag that it might be malfunctioning.
Step 3: Try the Spare Key
If you have a spare key, try using it to start the car. Sometimes, keys can wear out over time, and a worn-out key can fail to engage the ignition switch properly. If the spare key works, then it’s likely that your original key is the problem, not the ignition switch itself.
Step 4: Test Electrical Components
If your car is having electrical issues, it’s a good idea to test various components, like the radio, lights, and power windows.
If these aren’t working while the engine cranks, it could indicate a faulty ignition switch. In some cases, a weak or dying battery could cause similar issues, so it’s worth testing the battery voltage too.
Step 5: Consult a Professional
If you’ve tried the above steps and the problem persists, it’s time to consult a professional mechanic.
They can perform more in-depth tests and confirm whether the ignition switch is faulty. In many cases, it’s best to replace a malfunctioning ignition switch to avoid further complications.
How to fix a bad ignition switch?
Fixing a failing ignition switch can be a complex task, and the approach may vary depending on the severity of the issue and the type of vehicle you have. Here are detailed steps on how to fix a failing ignition switch:
- Diagnosis: Start by confirming that the ignition switch is indeed the source of the problem. Many of the symptoms associated with a bad ignition switch can also be caused by other issues, such as a dead battery, faulty starter, or damaged key. Use a diagnostic tool or consult a professional mechanic to pinpoint the problem accurately.
- Safety First: Ensure the vehicle is in a safe and secure location. Park it, engage the parking brake, and disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical mishaps during the repair process.
- Gather Tools and Parts: Depending on the specific repair needed, you may require various tools and replacement parts. Common tools include a screwdriver, socket set, pliers, and a multimeter for testing electrical connections. Replacement ignition switches are available from auto parts stores or dealerships.
- Disconnect the Battery: As a safety precaution, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to cut off power to the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Access the Ignition Switch: The location of the ignition switch varies by vehicle make and model. Typically, you’ll need to remove the steering column cover or panels to access the switch. Refer to your vehicle’s repair manual for specific instructions.
- Remove the Old Ignition Switch: Disconnect any wiring harnesses or connectors attached to the ignition switch. Depending on the design, you may need to remove screws, bolts, or retaining clips to release the switch from its mounting bracket. Carefully extract the old switch.
- Install the New Ignition Switch: Align the new ignition switch with the mounting bracket and secure it in place using the appropriate fasteners. Reconnect the wiring harnesses and connectors to the switch.
- Reassemble the Steering Column: If you had to remove any panels or covers to access the ignition switch, reassemble them in the reverse order of removal. Make sure all screws or fasteners are properly tightened.
- Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the negative terminal of the battery to restore power to the vehicle.
- Test the Ignition Switch: Turn the key to the “On” position and check if all electrical systems and accessories function correctly. Then, attempt to start the vehicle to ensure that the new ignition switch engages the starter motor and cranks the engine.
- Check for Proper Key Turn: Verify that the key can be turned smoothly in the ignition cylinder without any issues.
- Final Testing: Take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure that there are no further issues, such as stalling or loss of power while driving.
If you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with vehicle repairs, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional mechanic. Ignition switch replacement can be complex, and incorrect installation may lead to further problems.
Additionally, some vehicles may have advanced security features tied to the ignition system, requiring specialized knowledge to ensure proper functioning after the repair.
Preventing Ignition Switch Problems
It’s essential to stop ignition problems to keep your car running well. Even though some things causing these problems can’t be controlled, you can do a few things to make them less likely:
Use Caution with Your Key
Handle your car ignition key with care. Avoid using excessive force when inserting or turning the key in the ignition cylinder. Forceful key handling can accelerate wear and damage to both the key and the ignition switch.
Regular Maintenance
Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance can find and fix ignition switch issues before they get big.
Avoid Overloading Electrical Accessories
Watch what extra electrical stuff you put in your car, like powerful radios or additional lights. Too much can make the ignition switch wear out early. Ensure electrical upgrades are installed correctly and work with your car’s electrical power.
Promptly Address Symptoms
If you see switch problems, like hard starting, dashboard lights blinking, or electrical issues, fix them quickly. Ignoring these signs can make repairs bigger and cost more.
Keep the Key and Ignition lock Cylinder Clean
Regularly clean your car key and the ignition cylinder to remove dirt and debris. A clean key and cylinder ensure a smooth and reliable connection.
Use the Correct Key
Always use the correct key for your vehicle. Using the wrong or damaged key can stress the car ignition switch unnecessarily.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Hot and cold weather can mess up the car ignition switch. Park in the shade or use a sunshade when it’s hot. In cold, use a block heater to make starting easier on the ignition switch.
Inspect the Steering Column
Periodically inspect the steering column area where the car ignition switch is located. Look for loose or damaged components, including wiring harnesses, that could affect the switch’s operation.
Follow Security Procedures
If your car has security features like coded keys or immobilizers, follow the safety rules. They stop theft and protect your car ignition switch.
Consult the Owner’s Manual
Get to know your car’s owner’s manual. It has important info about how to take care of your ignition switch and related parts.
If you do these things and watch out for signs of ignition switch trouble, you can make it less likely to get stuck or have your car break down. Taking good care of your car’s ignition system will help it work well for a long time and keep you safe while driving.
Legal And Safety Implications
Legal Concerns
Driving a car with a known issue, like a bad ignition switch, is legally risky. When this causes an accident, you will be held responsible.
It’s important to fix such issues quickly to stay within the law and keep everyone on the road safe.
Safety Precautions
Safety is key when dealing with car issues. A faulty ignition switch can lead to unexpected stalling, which is dangerous. Regular checks and timely repairs can prevent such risks. Always prioritize your safety and that of others while on the road.
Responsibility And Ethics
Being a responsible car owner means promptly fixing problems like a bad ignition switch. It’s not just about your safety but also about protecting others on the road. Ethical car ownership involves maintaining your vehicle in a condition that doesn’t endanger anyone.
Ignition Switch Replacement Cost
When considering the replacement of an ignition switch, it’s essential to evaluate the costs involved and decide whether to repair or replace the unit.
Factors such as the quality of replacement parts and the expertise of the mechanic play a significant role in this process.
The ignition switch replacement cost can vary based on the vehicle model and whether one opts for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket parts.
Typically, the parts cost ranges from $20 to $90 for an ignition switch. The labor cost could add an additional $60 to $100 or more to the total expense, depending on the complexity of the installation and the rates charged by the auto repair shop.
One might also need to consider the cost of a whole ignition lock barrel if the ignition lock cylinder is part of the assembly.
FAQs.
Q: Is it dangerous to drive with a bad ignition switch?
Yes, driving with a bad ignition switch can be dangerous, especially if it causes your car to stall or lose power while driving. It’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid getting stranded or having a safety issue.
Q: Can a bad ignition switch cause a car to not start?
Yes, one of the most common symptoms of a bad ignition switch is trouble starting your car. If the switch can’t send the electrical signal to power the engine, your car may not start at all.
Q: Do I need to replace the entire ignition switch if it’s faulty?
In most cases, yes. If the ignition switch is malfunctioning, it usually needs to be replaced. A professional mechanic can help determine whether a full replacement is necessary.
Q: Is it expensive to fix a bad ignition switch?
The cost of fixing a bad ignition switch can vary depending on the make and model of your car. Generally, replacing an ignition switch is a moderately priced repair, but it’s always best to get an estimate from a mechanic.
Final Words
The ignition switch is the most used device in the car that should always be in good condition to always have a good start. Like any other switch or module in the car, it requires service. It is exposed to tears and wear with time.
So, apply the tips and tricks in this guide to self-diagnose faults and fix them. But if you got stuck in anything, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. This will save you from breaking anything or having a bigger problem.