What is an ignition switch?
An ignition switch is a component of a vehicle’s ignition system. It is a small, cylindrical component that is located in the engine compartment near the steering wheel. The ignition switch is responsible for activating the car’s starter motor. When the key is inserted into the ignition switch and turned, it sends an electrical current to the starter motor, which then starts the engine.
If the ignition switch becomes faulty or worn out, it can prevent the car from starting. This can be caused by several factors, such as water damage, corrosion, or age. If your car isn’t starting, your ignition switch may need to be replaced.
Signs that your ignition switch needs to be replaced
Your ignition switch is a crucial part of your car. It’s responsible for starting your engine, and if it’s not working properly, you’re going to have a hard time getting anywhere. So how do you know when it’s time to replace your ignition switch? Here are a few signs to look out for:
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You can’t turn your car on
The first sign that your ignition switch needs to be replaced is when you can’t start your car. If the keys don’t even make a clicking sound when you try to turn your car on, your ignition switch is likely broken.
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Your car won’t start
The second sign is when your car doesn’t even turn over. If you’re able to get your car started, but it won’t run or drive, that’s another sign that your ignition switch needs to be replaced.
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You hear a clicking sound
The third sign is when you hear a clicking sound when you’re trying to start your car. That clicking sound could come from your ignition switch, or it could come from something else in your car.
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You smell gas
If you smell gas in your car, that’s another sign that your ignition switch is broken.
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You hear grinding
You can also hear a grinding sound when you’re trying to start your car. That’s another sign that your ignition switch is broken, as well as the cause of that sound.
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You start the car, but you can’t drive
Here’s another sign that your ignition switch is broken. If you’re able to start your car but can’t drive it, that means the problem is in your ignition switch.
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You can’t turn the key in your ignition
If you try to turn the key, but it won’t turn, that means your ignition switch is broken.
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The key won’t turn in the ignition
If you try to insert the key into your ignition, and it won’t go in, that’s another sign that your ignition switch is broken.
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The engine starts but won’t run
If your engine starts, but won’t run, that means your ignition switch is broken. If the spark plugs aren’t firing, or even if they’re firing but you can’t see any flame coming off them, that means your ignition is bad. If your fuel pump isn’t working, then it’s either broken or dirty.
How to start a car with a bad ignition switch
If your ignition switch is bad, you won’t be able to start your car. However, there are a few things you can do to try to start it.
1. Jumper cables:
If your car won’t start, one possible reason is a bad ignition switch. Jumper cables can help you start your car in this case. First, make sure that the cables are in good condition and free of damage. Next, connect one end of the red cable to the positive (+) terminal on the battery of the dead car. Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive (+) terminal on the battery of the working car. Connect one end of the black cable to the negative (-) terminal on the battery of the working car. Connect the other end of the black cable to a metal part of the dead car (not touching any part of the engine). Startup the working car and let it run for a few minutes. Then, try starting up the dead car.
2. Hotwiring
When a car’s ignition switch is bad, the car won’t start. In some cases, the switch may still allow the car to be started by bypassing it altogether. This is done by hotwiring the car.
To hotwire a car, you’ll need a set of jumper cables and a screwdriver. The screwdriver is used to remove the cover of the fuse box, and the jumper cables are connected to the battery terminals. With the engine off, connect one end of the jumper cables to the positive terminal of the battery and touch the other end of the jumper cable to any metal part of the car. This will create a spark that will jump across to the negative terminal of the battery. Keep in mind that this should only be done as a last resort, as it can be dangerous.
Drill and Screwdriver Method
What are you waiting for? Get the drill out and start drilling. First, find a keyhole on your ignition switch with an appropriate-sized bit of metal from which it can be screwed in or unscrewed (you’ll want one that’s not too big). Once found, make sure to get as close around this hole as possible while still being able to control where all other surrounding parts go because if these holes aren’t lined up right, then when we screwing our driver into place, things could happen like the part of your ignition switch you’ve just drilled into could fly off and miss its target (which would be bad).
How to Test the Ignition Switch?
The ignition switch is responsible for starting the car. It’s also used to turn on lights, windshield wipers, and more!
The test will require you to have a multimeter set up in Volts DC mode. Once the appropriate circuit has been located with your multimeter, it’s time to begin testing.
First, check voltage between terminals #30 (IG) through #87 (BAT). You should see 14-16volts when the key is turned “ON”; otherwise, you may need to replace parts or repair wiring harnesses that are grounding out power at either end of the cable before continuing tests.
If there were no voltage present, this would indicate an open wire somewhere along its length, which means the further diagnosis is required to remove fuses one at a time until the power returns. If you have a voltage between terminals #30 (IG) through #87 (BAT), check for continuity across all wires using your multimeter in Ohms scale mode.
Again, there should be no continuity present. If there is, that would indicate an open wire somewhere along its length, which means the further diagnosis is required removing fuses one at a time until it has been resolved.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a way to start your not working car, then this blog post is the perfect resource. We’ve covered three different methods on how to get started, and they can be used in any situation where you need help starting up your vehicle. We also provided some information about what symptoms might indicate an issue with the ignition switch. Then, when it comes time for repairs or maintenance, make sure your mechanic checks out this part of the engine as well!