Automotive repairs can be expensive, and your car’s ignition switch is one of the most commonly-repaired parts. Learn about the different types of ignition switches and what to do if you think your car has a problem with it.
What is an Ignition Switch?
An ignition switch is a small device that controls the engine in a car. It allows the driver to start the engine by pressing a button. When the switch is turned off, the engine will not start.
How does an Ignition Switch Work?
If you have a car with an ignition switch, you may have noticed that the switch can sometimes malfunction. When this happens, the car will not start. This can be a really frustrating experience, and it’s usually because the switch has gone out of commission.
An ignition switch is a tiny device that allows your car to start. It’s located near the steering wheel, and it controls the flow of electricity to the engine. If the switch goes out of commission, it won’t be able to control the flow of electricity to your engine.
This means that your car won’t start no matter how many times you try. In some cases, this can be caused by something as simple as a loose wire. But in other cases, the switch may have been damaged by water or corrosion.
If you think your ignition switch is broken, it’s important to take action right away. There are a few things that you can do to try and fix the problem yourself, but if that doesn’t work then you’ll need to take your car in for repairs.
Types of Ignition Switches
Car ignition switches are one of the most common pieces of automotive hardware that need to be replaced. Here’s a look at the different types of ignition switches and what needs to be done when they go bad.
The three main types of car ignition switches are:
-Mechanical: These are the older style switches that use physical contact between the engine’s coil and the switch to activate the spark. They can become defective due to wear and tear, corrosion, or simply due to age.
-Electronic: These switches use electronic signals to activate the spark. They’re more resistant to damage, but they can also become defective if they’re not properly maintained.
-Timing Belt Driven: These switches use a timing belt to drive a gearbox that engages a sprocket connected to the crankshaft. When this type of switch fails, it can cause engine misfires and poor fuel economy.
What to do if your Car has a Broken Ignition Switch
If your car has a broken ignition switch, it may not be able to start. The car will likely have a warning light on the dashboard and may not move. This can be a dangerous situation, so you need to take action. Here are some tips on what to do if your car has a broken ignition switch.
1. Call a tow truck. If your car won’t start, the first thing you should do is call a tow truck to take it to the dealership. The dealership can fix the ignition switch and avoid having to pay for a tow truck.
2. Get your car towed to a mechanic. If your car won’t start, the next step is to get it towed to a mechanic. A mechanic can check the engine and see if there is anything else wrong with the car that is causing the problem with the ignition switch.
3. Replace the ignition switch. If your car won’t start, the best option may be to replace the ignition switch. This will likely be more expensive than fixing the switch at the dealership, but it will avoid having to pay for a tow truck or get your car towed to a mechanic.
How to Fix a Broken Ignition Switch on Your Own
If your car won’t start, you may be able to fix the problem yourself with a broken ignition switch. Here’s how to do it.
If your car won’t start, you may be able to fix the problem yourself with a broken ignition switch. Here’s how to do it.
First, remove the battery cable if you have one available. If you don’t have a battery cable, you’ll need to use a jumper wire to connect the negative (-) terminal of the battery to the engine block. This will disable the car’s electrical system.
Next, get a Phillips head screwdriver and loosen the four screws that hold on the cover of the ignition switch. Once they’re loose, gently pull off the cover and set it aside.
Next, use your screwdriver to remove the two screws that hold on the actuator arm. Gently pull off the actuator arm and set it aside.
Now you can see the broken ignition switch. If it’s just a broken connector, you can replace it yourself with a new one from your local hardware store. If it’s more serious, you’ll need to replace the entire switch.
Conclusion
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know how much a car ignition switch costs. If your car is more than five years old, it’s likely that the ignition switch has already been replaced and you don’t even know it! In this article, we will tell you exactly what a car ignition switch is and which parts of your car need to be replaced as part of its regular maintenance. After reading this article, hopefully you will have a better understanding of just how costly an ignition switch replacement can be and whether or not it’s worth it to have one done on your vehicle.