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Warning Signs That Your Vehicle Needs Ignition Repair An ignition switch that is jammed can be a real pain. You could end up stranded in your vehicle and unable drive it. To avoid your ignition from getting stuck, try lubricating it. This will help release any minor damage to the lock-wafers, and help get your vehicle back on the road. Symptoms It is located on the steering column or dash area The ignition switch is located on the steering column or dash area. It supplies voltage to your vehicle's electrical systems and also activates the starter. In time, as a result of normal wear and tear as well as environmental conditions the switch may be damaged or stop working completely. It is crucial to be aware of warning signs and have your vehicle repaired before the problem gets more serious. The first sign is that you are having difficulty getting your car started. If you have difficulty turning your key, or it doesn't get into the ignition cylinder, this could be due to excessive wear on the internal cylinder of the ignition switch or wear and tear. Use lighter keys to lessen the stress on the ignition switch. Avoid jiggling or pulling the key, and try not to turn it too quickly. Other electrical issues that could suggest a malfunctioning ignition switch are problems with your radio or other devices that you turn the ignition key, such as flickering lights, and intermittently shutting off. This is most likely the result of electrical overload in the ignition switch, and is a clear indication that it's time for you to have it checked by a professional. If your vehicle's power steering or seats don't work when you turn the key, this could also be a sign of an ignition switch that is malfunctioning. It could be due to the internal contacts not supplying power or a lack in current that prevents their working. The ignition switch could be dirty or contaminated and this is usually resolved by spraying the inside with a special cleaning product, such as WD-40. A malfunctioning ignition switch may also cause the engine to continue running after the key is removed from the cylinder. This is a very risky situation that must be rectified immediately. If your vehicle has remote starters this issue may be more difficult to identify and could require the removal of the steering wheel in order to access the ignition cylinder. Using a specialised tool to remove the steering wheel will help you safely remove the battery and then unlock the ignition cylinder. Causes The ignition switches wear out with time, however poor use or carelessness can speed up the process. Repairs or replacements of the ignition switch may be required based on the reason. Ignition Key Feels Sticky, or It is difficult to turn A key that is hard to turn is a clear sign that the ignition switch could be malfunctioning. It usually happens due to an accumulation of dirt or water inside the ignition housing. This can lead to misalignment. This issue can be cured by inspecting the ignition switch regularly. If you do find any issues, you should take care of them immediately to stop the problem from worsening. Electrical Problems A defective ignition switch may also cause electrical problems in the vehicle, for example the dashboard lights not responding or other accessories. This is because the ignition switch regulates the power supply to these systems and components. Stalling While Driving A malfunctioning ignition could cause the engine to stall while driving. This could be dangerous, especially when you're driving at a high speed or in traffic. Ignition Problems with Lock Cylinders The ignition lock cylinder is where you insert the key, and it reads the anti-theft code to allow the car to start. This mechanical part may wear down over time, but it could also be damaged by a bad key or physical damage to the steering column or the ignition switch. Spark Plugs and Wires Spark wires and plugs are essential to start the engine. They need to be in good working condition to ensure that the engine is started when you turn the ignition. car ignition locked and plugs that are worn out can cause a car to be difficult to start, but can also cause the ignition system to fail. Everything wears out with time, but regular maintenance and careful use can increase the life of an ignition switch, as well as other vehicle components. If you do not address the issue with the ignition switch on your vehicle you and your passengers are at risk of serious injuries. Make sure you are safe by turning off the battery and disconnecting it from the switch before you tackle the issue. Repair Options A lot of people find their car stuck in a locked state because the ignition switch doesn't turn. It's important to know that this issue can be solved if you invest in the right tools. Repair the ignition switch or replace it entirely. The decision is yours to make, but you'll need to take into consideration the cost of each option. Failures of ignition switches can be caused by a variety of causes, including worn springs or damaged contact points. Electrical and temperature issues can also influence the switch. In these instances replacing the ignition switch might be the best option. Avoid pushing a key into or out of the lock since this can cause more damage to the ignition. It is essential to seek out professional assistance when repairing an ignition. There are a variety of steps involved. The first step is disconnecting the battery. After the battery is disconnected, it is possible to remove plastic covers from the ignition switch as well as the cylinder. When you remove the plastic covers, it is important to use a correct removal tool. After the plastic covers have been removed, the ignition switch is able to be replaced and accessed. The ignition cylinder also part of the ignition system, therefore if the switch fails, the cylinder could be defective. This is common in older cars and the cylinder could be replaced or repaired by a locksmith or dealer. The cylinder can also be damaged because of extreme wear and tear or an accident. It is vital to know that if the ignition switch isn't working properly, the key will likely be bent or broken. If this is the case, a replacement master key could be required to ensure that the ignition system can recognize it. In certain situations it is necessary to replace the ignition switch or lock cylinder may be the best option for the customer. A replacement will solve all issues that stop the ignition system from launching your engine. This is a cost-effective alternative to repairing the ignition system. Cost Ignition coils play a crucial role in your vehicle's ignition and a failure of them could lead to serious consequences. It could be due to corrosion or simply wear and tear, a malfunctioning ignition coil may cause the engine to fail to turn over or start. If this happens the mechanic will have to replace the ignition coil, which could range from $150 to $350. The mechanic is able to complete this task in a variety of ways, and the price will vary based on the vehicle's model and make, as well as the age. In general, replacing the ignition is the cheapest option, whereas replacing a lock-cylinder and key could be more costly. A mobile mechanic will typically take around an hour to replace the ignition switch. To perform this repair, you will need to remove the steering wheel, remove the battery and take off any trim pieces that cover the ignition switch. On older vehicles, this might also require the use of a steering wheel lever or a locking pin remover both of which can be rented from most auto parts stores. Once the old ignition switch has been removed and replaced, the new one must be installed and the electrical connector is connected. The new ignition key cylinder will then be inserted, and the locking tab locked in place. Additionally any trim panels that were removed will be replaced. On the other hand, replacing a lock cylinder and key can take as long as two hours. The task is more complex than simply removing and installing the switch, and will usually involve replacing the ignition control module, car battery, or starter motor. This can cost up to $1000 or more in total parts costs. It may also require a new key cylinder, and it's better to get an original key made by a locksmith instead of using a duplicate that was created by the dealer. A good mechanic can be worth the extra expense for this type of service, as there are many hidden costs that could arise when you attempt to do a DIY repair. A reliable mechanic will know how to avoid these problems, which will save you time and money in the long run.