SYMPTOMS OF CAR IGNITION ISSUES

How many times have you hopped into your car and driven to work or to the store, and never once thought about your ignition system, how it works, or even if would work? Your ignition cylinder is like any other automotive part; we fully expect it to work on demand and to last for a reasonable amount of time with minimum maintenance or problem. That’s great, but what do we do if it doesn’t? Our Naperville Locksmith Pro technicians are sometimes asked what they recommend that customers do when they have ignition problems and what specifically are the symptoms of those problems?

Let’s back up a bit

Let’s backtrack a little and give some background on this. In the early days, car ignitions were built to supply the electric current to the car’s ignition system when the engine is cranked by the operator. This was pretty much all that it did. Nowadays, car ignitions have more parts and do more things. You know what they say about “the more parts, the more that can go wrong?” In today’s world, car ignitions supply power/current through an accessory switch to windshield wipers, car radio, power seats, heater, air conditioner, power windows, GPS system and lots more. One simple key turn now starts more than just your motor!

Ignition problem warning signs

Sometimes it can be hard to tell just what is wrong with your car; especially if you are not mechanically inclined. This is why our Naperville, IL locksmiths have assembled these ignition problem tips. If you happen to recognize one or more of them, you’ll better know what you are dealing with.

Hot ignition switch

Does your ignition switch feel hot to the touch once you’ve started the car? This may be due to a loose connection, a frayed wire or a damage part in the ignition switch itself. Don’t try and repair this yourself; call for professional help asap!

Your engine does not turn over

Is your key in the START position but your engine will not turn over? Did you turn the key but nothing happened?

Your engine turns over multiple times

When you turned the ignition key, did your engine turn over and over and keep doing so? This could indicate shorts in the electrical system.

Other components test

Did you try and start the car and nothing happened when you turned the ignition key? At this point you may be wondering if the problem is your battery or your ignition cylinder. Here’s how you test – see if your radio works. If it does, your battery is not the problem and it is most likely your ignition. Be sure that your radio is not turned down or you may be fooled into thinking that the problem is your battery. You can also check your dashboard lights, power windows and windshield wipers.

Idle test

When you are stopped at a red light does your car “choke-out” on you? You might be stopped at a red light or stop sign and notice that you have to put the gear into PARK and apply the gas a little bit or your car will stall out. Get this fixed as soon as possible! If you don’t, your car might stall out while you are driving, and you don’t need that happening!

Key stuck

Sometimes the key will become stuck in the ignition and the car won’t start either. Try moving the key back and forth gently as well as moving the steering wheel to make sure that it is not locked. See if this action releases the ignition key. It should and you should be able to start the car, too. If not, the problem is most likely your ignition system.

Rapid clicking sounds

If you try and start your car unsuccessfully, and hear rapid clicking sounds, the problem is not your ignition system, it is your car’s battery. It is most likely drained. The clicking sounds are made when the battery’s charge is too low to engage the starter.

Battery works but the car won’t start

Did you check your windshield wipers or your radio and your battery seems fine? Does the car still not start? What did you see when you turned the ignition key all the way to the START position? Did the red WARNING light turn on? If it did, the problem is not your ignition but it could be any number of other things like brakes, transmission or battery. If it didn’t turn on then it just might be your ignition that is out.

Are you in PARK?

If you try and start your car but can’t, make sure that your gear is in the PARK position. We can’t tell you how many times people have called our Naperville, IL shop and requested emergency service only to find out that the problem was not their ignition at all; they were simply in the wrong gear! Your car was designed to start in the PARK gear and with the ignition key in the START position or not at all. So check both positions and it might help if you jiggle the gear back and forth to make sure that it is firmly locked into position.

Does your car not turn off?

If you notice that your car does NOT turn off when it is supposed to, then you might have a problem with the ignition lock and/or the ignition switch itself. This calls for replacement of the key tumbler assembly as well as the ignition switch. If you are adept at ignition lock repair or auto mechanics you can do this repair service yourself. If not, be sure and call an automotive locksmith in Naperville that is experienced and skilled at repairing or replacing automotive ignition switches.

Deal only with the pros

Everyone has that friend or relative that dabbles in car repair. Keep in mind that letting them service your ignition system might put your relationship at risk if the damage is made worse. We recommend always using the services of a licensed, insured and bonded automotive locksmith.

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