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What Happens When Your Car Ignition Switch Fails? A car ignition switch is responsible for powering your vehicle's engine, among other systems. It could be a source of frustration, for instance keys that are difficult to turn or dashboard lights that flicker. The ignition switch works by using a tumbler to translate your key's movements into positions that trigger different functions. This article explains the basics of ignition switches, how to troubleshoot them and what to do should they fail. The Ignition Position The ignition switch is one of the most crucial car parts, and it is often overlooked. This tiny component lets you turn on your engine and supplies energy to other systems within your vehicle, such as the radio, lights, and more. This is why it's so important to keep your ignition switch in good condition and also why you must be aware of what to expect if it goes wrong. There are many kinds of ignition switches on the market today, and they each perform a different function depending on their design. For instance, traditional key operated switches utilize an elongated tumbler that has specially designed keys to turn on electrical systems and start the engine. This type of ignition can be positioned either away from the lock cylinder, and controlled by a mechanical linkage or linked to it. Modern ignition switches utilize electronic modules to carry heavy current instead of traditional tumblers and keys. There are a few common issues with ignition switches, no matter what type you have. Typically, these issues are caused by wear and tear or external forces. A heavy keychain, as an example, can put strain on the ignition switch every time it is inserted and removed. This can cause wear to the internals of the switch. Extreme temperature fluctuations can affect the lubricants and materials used in the ignition switch. This leads to the degradation of the switch over time. If you experience these kinds of issues, it's probably the right time to call a professional for help. A malfunctioning ignition can cause grave consequences for your vehicle, so you should take care of any issues you spot promptly. You can also take preventative steps to decrease the chance that you will have to face this issue in the future. ignition lock cylinder repair cost in your car is a simple machine that can change the way it operates. It activates the engine and a variety of other systems with just a turning of the key or push of an electronic switch. It is an essential element of your vehicle that enables you to drive swiftly and safely. It can, however, be prone to problems, just like any other machine. These problems can not just stop your vehicle from starting, but also cause damage to other parts. You can avoid these problems by conducting regular maintenance on your car, and recognizing early warning signs for ignition switch problems. Most ignition switches are designed with four positions: lock, start, acc, and accessory. The lock position stops the key from being removed and it's not possible to use accessories or crank the engine when the switch is in this position. The accessory mode or acc position provides power for accessories like the radio even when the engine is off. However, this mode can drain the battery, which is why it is essential to use the acc position sparingly. Finally, the start position is the one that drives everything that makes your engine run. This includes the gauges, sensors and coils on your dashboard. This also triggers the spark plugs in your engine and ignites the combustion which then gets you moving. If you're experiencing issues with this position, it may indicate a problem with your ignition switch. You can test the functionality of your ignition switch by using a multimeter for checking continuity. You can also see whether the switch is functioning properly by holding your key in the ignition and turning the steering wheel to the left or right. If you notice that the gears are difficult to turn or the ignition switch is leaking it is recommended to contact your local locksmith. A bad ignition switch could make your car difficult to drive, making it difficult to turn the steering wheel. This indicates that the ignition switch requires to be fixed. The Stop Position When the key is in this position the circuits that receive the power from the ignition switch are cut off. This includes auxiliary systems such as your radio, dash lights, and even your power seats. It also cuts power to the mechanical lock inside the steering wheel, so that you can't turn the wheel while the vehicle is in a parking spot. If you try to start the engine when the key is in this position, it might stall immediately since that's when security systems kick into action. This is the standard position for the key when driving. This is so that you can manage your auxiliary systems and convenience features while keeping the engine off. Based on the make and model of your vehicle the ignition switch could require you to press a little bit before it goes into this position. This is to make sure it is able to recognize the correct key and won't let a random key start the engine. There are a variety of symptoms if your ignition switch is faulty. Common symptoms include the engine refusing to start and having trouble turning the key, and accessories or auxiliary functions that are suddenly failing to function. The ignition switch is an extremely complex component and requires a professional auto mechanic to replace it. To replace the ignition switch, you'll first have to disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. Remove any plastic pieces or covers that cover the ignition cylinder. Once you have gained access, loosen and slide the cable off the negative terminal. Check the owner's manual for details on how to safely disconnect the battery and where it's located. The accessory position The ignition switch is among the most important parts in your vehicle. It's tiny, but it's crucial to the operation of your vehicle. It's a typical point of failure and it's crucial to understand what happens if your ignition switch fails. You must also be able to determine the problem and fix it. The ignition switch is often neglected until it stops working properly. The switch is vital to the operation of almost all parts of your vehicle, and can solve many problems. The key is put into a small cylinder and the switch turns it on to allow power to flow to other systems. Modern ignition switches are electronic modules, not mechanical gears. They do the same job – they trigger almost all of your car's system. In extreme cases an ineffective ignition switch could cause the engine to overheat, and possibly catch fire. The accessory position, referred to as ACC in your car's manual, allows you to turn on accessories like headlights, radios, and other electrical devices. These devices don't require the huge current required to start your engine because they draw energy directly from your battery. It's an excellent place to play music or use other devices while driving. But don't let it running for too long. The ignition switch might be malfunctioning if your car key is difficult to turn or will not turn at all. It may also be difficult to determine if the issue is related to the switch or if it's actually the key itself that's causing problems. Examine the key for signs of wear and tear like scratches or dents, and check to see whether it's plugged into the ignition cylinder. You can also examine the wiring inside the ignition switch. There's generally a red, brown and pink wire however only the red is usually hot when the key is in the accessory position. If this wire is not powered by the ignition switch, it could be damaged. If this is the situation, contact an expert.