It’s that time of year again when your car tends to give you problems. The engine won’t start, the AC isn’t working, and even the headlights don’t work. And when you go to inspect the problem, you find out that the ignition switch fuse is blown. What do you do? If your car is older than 10 years, it may not have a digital engine management system (EMS), which means the ignition switch cannot be replaced with a fuse. In that case, the only option may be to replace the entire engine. For cars with a modern EMS (most recent models), the ignition switch can usually be replaced with a sealed unit that doesn’t use a fuse. If your car has an electronic immobilizer, it will also need to be reset in order for the new spark plugs to work correctly. Without immobilization, someone could steal your car and disable the security system while you are away – not something you want to experience!
What is a Ignition Switch Fuse?
A “ignition switch fuse” is a safety device that helps protect your car’s engine from being turned off by blown fuses. If your car has a blown fuse, the switch will not allow the ignition to turn on, preventing the car from starting.
How Does a Ignition Switch Fuse Work?
The ignition switch fuse is a small, electronic component that helps keep your car’s electrical system running in the event of an unexpected power outage. When the ignition switch is turned off, current flow through the coil stops and the fuse melts. If the fuse blows, it interrupts current flow to the fuel injectors and other critical parts of your engine.
If you have a car with a computerized ignition system, the switch may also require a certain voltage to function properly. If this voltage is not present when the car is started, the computer may disable various features or even stop your vehicle from starting altogether. In either case, you’ll need to replace the ignition switch fuse if it blows.
When Do I Need to Change My Ignition Switch Fuse?
If your car does not start, there may be a problem with the ignition switch fuse. The ignition switch fuse is located in the dash under the windshield and should have a 20 amp rating. If your car does not start and you have replaced the battery, checked all fuses and still cannot find the problem, then it is likely that the ignition switch fuse is blown. To test if this is the case: 1) Remove the key from the ignition 2) Turn on all of the lights in your car (even if they are not working) 3) Turn on your engine 4) Put the key back into the ignition and turn it to “ON” 5) Turn off your engine 6) Check to see if your headlights work
What to do if My Car Doesn’t Start in the Morning
If your car doesn’t start in the morning, there are a few things you can do to try and get it started. If the battery is dead, you can jump it with a jumper cable. If the engine turns over but doesn’t start, check the fuel lines and priming pump. If the engine starts but won’t stay running, check for a blown fuse or relay.
How to Change an Ignition Switch Fuse
If your car won’t start, it might be because of a blown fuse. Fuses protect your car’s electrical systems from overloads, so it’s important to change them when they go out. Here’s how to change an ignition switch fuse:
1. Turn off the car and remove the key.
2. Open the hood and locate the battery. It will be connected to the car by a cable or a terminal block.
3. Disconnect the battery negative cable (the black one) first, then disconnect the other cables leading from it. This will free up some room under the hood.
4. Reach up inside the engine compartment and locate the ignition switch box. It will usually have screws on either side of it that you can remove to open it up.
5. Inside the box, you’ll find two fuses: one near the engine and one near the key switch (or theft lock). Remove both fuses by pulling out their tabs and flipping them over so that their contacts are facing down. Be careful not to short circuit anything while you’re doing this!
6. Replace both fuses with new ones and press them into place with a screwdriver or your
Conclusion
If your car won’t start, it’s important to check the fuse for the ignition switch. If the fuse is okay, but the car still won’t start, there might be a problem with the wiring in your car. In that case, you’ll need to call a qualified mechanic to work on it.