Today’s cars may be automatic transmission vehicles but they do have an ignition key. When you insert the key, the ignition switch located next to the steering column turns and the engine starts. What if it does not? – then, your irritation begins. You have to decide whether to tow your car to an auto repair shop or search for an automotive locksmith. Do not do either of these but just call a mobile auto locksmith. They will arrive at your site within minutes of your call and repair the faulty ignition switch. In the event of facing such a situation, it is always good to know the cause for such ignition switch issues.
Common ignition issues and their causes
Most often, these are the ignition issues you face in everyday life
The car does not start
This might be due to various reasons like
Dead battery
The first conclusion everyone draws if a car does not start is that you have a dead car battery. How to check if your battery life is good? The simplest way is to try to turn on the headlights. If they turn on, you do not have a bad battery. Now that you know your battery has life, check the starter.
Starter
Look for the starter under the hood of your car. If you start the engine and you hear a clicking sound, your battery is good but you have starter trouble. It would be due to a bad starter motor or loose wiring, etc. If there is no clicking noise but still the car does not start, it could be due to a bad ignition switch.
Faulty ignition switch
If your car’s lights turn on and you hear no clicking sound when you start, both your battery and starter are good. Then, the problem is all due to a faulty ignition switch.
The broken key inside the lock
Sometimes due to everyday wear, the key might break and get stuck within the lock. Now, only an expert auto locksmith can to your rescue to extract the key.
Damaged wafers
Wafers are the cuts that the ignition switch has to identify the correct ignition key. If these wafers are damaged due to daily use, you must replace the entire ignition cylinder.
Bad transponder key
Your keyless ignition fob has an electronic transponder chip at it stop. If this chip is damaged, your key will not turn the ignition switch.
Damaged ignition lock
Sometimes, your key does not come out even if you turn off the car. This means you have a jammed ignition lock.
Ways to know if the ignition switch is faulty
If the ignition issue is due to the faulty switch, then you will find these symptoms
The car will not start even after several attempts
This means that your ignition switch is damaged due to daily wear and tear. Call an expert auto locksmithing company to replace your entire ignition switch.
The ignition key will not turn.
if your key does not turn, try jiggling the steering wheel as the steering lock might be on. If the steering is not locked and yet the key does not turn, the ignition switch is the culprit.
The car suddenly halts while traveling
If this happens while you are on the highway or expressway, it could be dangerous. Pull the vehicle to one side and call the emergency car locksmith at once to replace the entire ignition cylinder…
Flickering Dashboard lights
If your dash lights flicker, then to its could be due to a faulty switch.
When you face such issues, calling a Chicago Car Keys with mobile services is the right thing to do. These auto technicians are familiar with the current vehicle models and their ignition issues. They can do an affordable battery replacement or even the entire ignition replacement wiring at affordable prices.
