Popular Problems With Car Ignition Switches
Owning a car entails dealing with its faults and glitches, at least some of the time.
Granted, an auto repair shop can fix most of your automotive problems. However, when it comes to car keys or ignition switch issues, a professional auto locksmith company would be the better option to answer your woes.
The ignition switch is a part of the ignition system, so let us start with a brief overview.
As the name suggests, the ignition system serves the purpose of igniting the fuel-air mixture in the engine’s cylinder.
Without getting too technical, when you insert your car key in the keyway and turn it to “Run”, your vehicle generates electricity to create a spark. That spark is the fire that lets the fuel-air mixture burn, which gets the engine running.
While ignition system problems are numerous, in this article, let us talk about the ignition switch snags.
1. Manufacturer Defect
Although a rare occurrence these days, many older cars had damaged or faulty parts that caused the car to malfunction, or not run at all.
If your car is still under warranty, then you should call the manufacturer’s maintenance center to repair or replace the malfunctioning part. But in case your car warranty expired, a repair shop or an automotive service can probably do the job.
2. Worn out Car Key
Over time, even a car key suffers from wear and tear. Usage, corrosion, and weather elements scrape off bits of the key. In the process, it becomes harder to start your car, and eventually, the key stops working altogether.
When the inevitable happens, you may contact your car manufacturer to receive a new key. Alternatively, an auto locksmith service can help you get a replacement key by either using a spare key or factory key cutting codes.
3. Failed Vehicle Theft
When a thief fails at stealing your car, well, the good news is that you still got your car. Nevertheless, rookie burglars usually leave a mess behind them. Trying to take off with the car or maybe frustrated at not being able to, they would cut wires or jam an object into your key switch.
Cut wires and the damaged ignition switch is no pleasant scene, and often, you will need to replace the whole ignition assembly.
4. Wrong Key in the Keyway
As a driver, you might have accidentally inserted the wrong key in the door lock or the ignition switch at some point. Usually, this leads to the key getting stuck or jammed in the keyway.
If this ever happens, never try to force the key out as this could cause hundreds of dollars’ worth of repair fees. You are much better off getting a skilled technician from a trustworthy automotive service.
This might happen the other way around, though. Once, a friend of mine had the embarrassing experience of trying to open a car that looks just like his. He kept trying for almost an hour, but the car would not open. Eventually, his key got stuck in someone else’s door lock.
What’s the moral of this story? Well, always make sure the car you are trying to enter is, indeed, your car.
5. Jammed or Tattered Wafers
The ignition switch consists of wafers that correspond with indents on the key. Over time, those wafers wear out or collect dust and dirt, which makes the switch malfunction. But don’t fret, often, you can solve this problem by cleaning the switch. However, if this simple solution does not work, you can always consult an automotive service to fix it.
It Boils Down to This
Like any machine, your vehicle is prone to faults and malfunctions. While this could happen through normal wear and tear, it can occur by accident, failed theft, or due to mishandling your key or ignition switch. In any case, always be sure to have the number of a competent auto locksmith to save unnecessary time and hassle.
Call Chicago Car Keys at (773) 521 7000 or visit our physical locksmith shop at 4346 W 51st St, Chicago, IL 60632, United States.
