If you’re like most drivers, you check your car’s battery and oil levels, but would you also check the ignition switch? According to the National Safety Council (NSC), failing to do so could result in a costly engine repair. In this article, we’ll explain how to test your ignition switch and why it’s important to do so.
What is an Ignition Switch?
An ignition switch is a component of an automobile that allows the engine to start. The ignition switch typically consists of two or three positions, which determine how much power the engine will receive. When the car is first turned on, the switch is in the “start” position.
How Do You Test If Your Ignition Switch Is Bad?
If you have a car with an automatic transmission, it’s important to test your ignition switch. If the switch fails, the car won’t start. Here’s how to test your switch:
1. Remove the key from the ignition.
2. Turn the car off by pressing the “off” button.
3. Wait 10 seconds.
4. Turn the car on by pressing the “on” button.
5. If it doesn’t start, your ignition switch is probably bad and needs to be replaced.
How to Replace an Ignition Switch on a Car
If you’re like most drivers, you probably assume your car’s ignition switch is always reliable. But in reality, sometimes the switch can become bad- rendering your car inoperable. If this happens to you, here’s how to replace the ignition switch on a car:
1. Park your car in a safe location and turn off the engine.
2. Remove the key from the ignition and remove the battery if necessary.
3. Disable any security features such as steering wheel locks and disable any airbags by disconnecting the cables.
4. Open the hood of your car and locate the ignition switch. It will be located near or at the front of the engine block on either side of the radiator. (On some cars, such as Volkswagens, it will be located on top of the engine.)
5. Locate a replacement ignition switch and carefully remove it from its housing. Be sure to seal all openings around the switch with RTV or silicone sealant so dirt and moisture don’t get inside it over time and cause it to fail again later on.
6. Replace the old switch with the new one and reattach any cables, airbags, or security features that were disabled in step
When to Replace an Ignition Switch on a Car
If your car’s ignition switch is bad, it won’t start. Replacing the ignition switch on a car is a common repair, and it’s usually inexpensive. Here’s how to tell if your switch is bad:
1. Try starting the car with the key in the “off” position. If the engine doesn’t start, your switch is probably bad.
2. Look for any clicking or grinding noises when you turn the key to the “on” position. If there are any noise, your switch might be bad and need to be replaced.
3. Check for continuity between the black and brown wires going from the key cylinder to the ignition switch. If these wires are broken or missing, your switch might be bad and need to be replaced.
Conclusion
The ignition switch is one of the most important components in your vehicle, and if it goes bad, your car can’t be driven. If you’re not sure whether or not your ignition switch is bad, here are a few things to check: – Listen for grinding or click sounds when you turn the key in the ignition. These noises mean that the switch is no longer making good contact and could need to be replaced. – Look for lights on the instrument panel that indicate whether the engine is running (or has been recently turned off). A dim light means there’s a problem with the switch, while a flashing light means there’s an issue with either the wiring or something else connected to it. – Feel around for any obstructionions in between the keyhole and engine block (near where the key turns). This could mean that something has fallen onto or into this area and prevented proper operation of the switch.