Car ignitions are one of those components that we take for granted. We just pop the key in the ignition and drive off, right? Well, not always. In fact, car ignitions can be quite dangerous if they don’t work properly. According to The Huffington Post, “When a car’s ignition system doesn’t work as it should, it can result in a variety of problems, from stalled engines to broken windows. In worst cases, drivers may end up stranded on the side of the road.” If you have a car with an immobilizer or anti-theft system, your keys won’t work without the correct code. This is where car ignitions come in. When your engine starts and your car is running, the key needs to be in the ignition switch to keep it running (just like your house key needs to be turned on to turn on a light). In short, make sure your car ignitions are working properly by checking them every year or two and replacing any parts that need it.
What is a Car Ignition?
Car ignitions are devices that allow a car to be started. They use a magnet to hold the key in the ignition and turn it, so the engine can start.
Types of Ignition Systems
There are several types of ignition systems in use in cars today. Here’s a breakdown of each:
The Coil-On-Plug Ignition System (COP) is the most common type of car ignition system. It’s made up of a coil and a plug. The coil helps start the engine by generating an electrical current, and the plug prevents dirt, dust, or other objects from getting into the engine.
The CDI Ignition System is a newer type of ignition system that uses chips instead of coils. The chips are small computers that regulate the amount of fuel that gets sent to the engines cylinders. This system is more efficient and reduces emissions, but it doesn’t work as well as the COP system in cold weather.
How Car Ignitions Work
Car ignitions work by using a key to turn the engine on. When the key is inserted into the ignition, it contacts a coil that energizes an electromagnet. This in turn opens up a switch that sends power to the spark plugs.
How to Fix a Car Ignition
If your car’s ignition doesn’t turn the engine over, you may need to fix it. Here’s how:
1. Check the cable. The most common reason car ignitions don’t work is a broken or lost cable. To test the cable, unscrew the connector at the battery and plug it into the connector on the car. If the car ignitions now, the cable is probably broken. If not, check for frayed wires or corrosion on either end of the cable.
2. Replace defective parts. Car ignitions can also fail because of defective parts such as switches or relays. If you think one of these parts is causing your problem, replace it with a new part from your local hardware store.
3. Test for power at the battery. Sometimes an electrical problem inside a car can cause a faulty ignition switch. To test for power at the battery, connect an ohmmeter (a device that measures resistance) between each wire leading from it to the ignition switch (see image below). If there’s no power going to the ignition switch, you’ll need to replace it.
Conclusion
Do car ignitions work like normal locks? Yes, they do. In fact, car ignitions are actually spring-loaded contacts that use a coil to spark the engine. When you turn the key in the ignition, this coil makes an electrical connection with a battery. This sends a signal to the engine control unit which then sends fuel and air mixture to the engine.