How many times have you been driving down the street and all of a sudden your car just dies? This can be terrifying, especially if you’re in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately, there’s usually no need to panic. The most common cause of a stalled or dying car is an ignition switch. If you’re not sure how to fix it, read on for tips on how to start your car with a bad ignition switch.
What is a bad ignition switch?
If your car won’t start even though you know the key is in the ignition, there’s a good chance your ignition switch is bad. A bad ignition switch can cause your car to not turn over at all, or it may just take a little longer than usual to ignite the engine. If you’re having trouble starting your car and think your ignition switch might be the problem, here are some steps to take:Remove the key from the ignition. Try starting the car with an external source of power (a battery, jump starter, etc.). Check for any continuity issues between the wires connected to the key and those connected to the Ignition Switch. If everything looks okay, replace your ignition switch.
How to check if your ignition switch is bad
How to check if your ignition switch is bad:
1. Remove the key from the ignition and remove the battery before proceeding.
2. If you have a wiring diagram, follow it to find the location of the switch. If you don’t have a wiring diagram, look for a black box or terminal block with several wires going into and out of it.
3. Disconnect all of the wires going into the switch and test them for continuity by touching each wire together and then testing them one at a time with an ohmmeter. Replace any broken or corroded wires.
4. Reconnect the battery and key, turn on the car, and wait five seconds for it to start. If it doesn’t start after five seconds, turn off the car and check all of your connections again. If your problem still persists, your ignition switch may be bad and needs to be replaced.[/content]
How to replace your ignition switch
If your car won’t start, there’s a good chance your ignition switch is the problem. Here’s how to replace it:
1) Park the car in a safe place.
2) Remove the steering wheel if possible.
3) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4) Remove the engine cover.
5) Remove the spark plugs.
6) Locate the ignition switch housing on the engine block near where the spark plugs were removed.
7) Loosen the four screws that hold the switch housing in place and then remove it.
8) Look for damage to either of its electrical connectors. If so, replace both connectors with new ones from a hardware store or automotive parts store.
9) Replace the ignition switch housing with a new one from a hardware store or automotive parts store. Reinstall all of the screws and connect the electrical connectors.
What to do if your car won’t start after replacing the ignition switch
If your car won’t start after replacing the ignition switch, there are a few things you can do to try and get it started. First, check to see if any of the fuses are blown. If none of the fuses are blown, you may need to replace the ignition switch. If the switch is still not working, you may need to take the car into a mechanic for a diagnosis.