The first thing most car enthusiasts do every day after getting into the car is to insert the key into the ignition switch and twist the key to start the vehicle, which will go through a series of complicated steps before the car ignition is successful. If there are some problems in this process, it will cause the ignition to fail. At the same time, issues with the ignition switch may also cause your car to break down. No one wants to encounter a faulty ignition switch, but the following are some common faults and solutions that can help you get out of trouble as soon as possible.
1. Take the wrong key
There are generally hundreds of thousands of combinations of car keys. Assuming an automaker sells 200,000 cars a year, there will be situations where your key can open someone else’s car. If there are fewer combinations of door locks than ignition switches, then there will be a situation where you can open someone else’s door but not the ignition. This phenomenon is more likely to occur at car dealers, so don’t think it’s a bad ignition switch; make sure you don’t have the wrong key.
2. the steering wheel is locked
The ignition switch lock is usually mechanically connected to the steering wheel lock. After the steering wheel is locked, the thief can’t drive the car away without the key. However, for owners who have the key, the steering wheel is not unlocked, and they may not be able to start the vehicle. So when you find that the ignition fails, think about whether you have locked the steering wheel. The solution is simple, just unlock the steering wheel.
3. key or ignition switch wear and tear
It is usual for mechanical objects to wear out, especially for cars that use mechanical keys for ignition. The key may be used thousands of times a year to ignite the vehicle, and it is OK if there is nothing else hanging on the key, but if the car key and the house key, and other heavy objects are put together, this inevitably increases the mechanical wear and tear of the ignition switch. After a while, they wear out too much and can’t start the car. The best way is to get a new set of locks, both for the doors and rear door. Usually, it would help if you also remembered not to hang too many heavy objects on the car keys.
4. Ignition switch failure
Inside the ignition switch, multiple contacts connect the essential electrical system that starts and runs the car. Generally speaking, “OFF” means anything not relating to the ignition switch, “ACC” means energizing the radio or fan, “RUN” means energizing the engine control module, and “START” means energizing the starter relay. A worn ignition switch contact, temperature problem, or damaged spring can cause the ignition switch to fail, so replace the ignition switch after making sure the electrical system’s fuse, relay, and circuit are OK.
5. Immobilizer key problems
Many cars have a one-touch start feature, which avoids worn mechanical keys. The chip in the Immobilizer key transmits specific codes, and there may be millions of combinations of principles, so it is generally not easy to take the wrong key and fail to start the car. However, if the circuit of the Immobilizer key itself is malfunctioning or the key is out of power, the car naturally cannot be started. You can still start the vehicle if the key is out of power, check the owner’s manual for the specific method, and replace the key battery afterward. If the essential chip is damaged, you need a professional to repair it.
I think learning to deal with the problem is very important, but can prevent the problem is the best. Usually, take good care of the car keys and not hang heavy objects on the mechanical keys. Electronic keys should not be close to strong magnetic fields and should operate the car ignition correctly. The correct preventive measures can not guarantee that the ignition switch will never have problems, but can probably ensure the standard ignition of the car and make these parts used longer.
