Ignition Repair and Replacement

If we’re going to repair or replace your ignition switch, you should be aware of what it is. It’s an essential part of your car, but one most people don’t really think about until it becomes an issue. It should be noted, though, that if you have a newer car that has a push button to start your vehicle, you likely lack an ignition switch.

True to its name, the ignition switch is an electrical switch. It’s turned on by the process of turning on your car. When you place your key into the ignition and turn it, you’re turning the lock cylinder that turns on the ignition switch.

The ignition switch has four positions. When your automobile is not running, this is considered the lock/off position. You put the ignition in the lock/off position anytime you turn off your car and remove the key.

The accessory position is also used fairly often. If, without starting the engine, you ever turn on your car to listen to the radio, roll down the windows, or keep the air conditioning on you’ve turned the ignition switch to the accessory position. Basically, if you’re attempting to turn on the battery without using the engine, you’re going to use the accessory position.

One of the final two positions is the run position. This ignition position provides power to the engine controls but does not start the engine.

The final position is the start position. This turns on the entire car, including the engine, so you can start driving.

Typically, the ignition switch is reliable. It’s designed this way as its the key, no pun intended, to get your car running. However, there are situations where the ignition switch will need to be repaired or replaced.

There are four main symptoms of a faulty ignition switch:

• Engine won’t start or stop 
• Keys get stuck in ignition 
• Engine dies at unexpected times 
• Electrical issues cause dashboard, lights, and the radio to begin to flicker or turn off 

When your ignition switch is need of repair or replacement, you won’t be able to turn your car on or off. Why would a damaged ignition switch prevent your car from turning off? Think of the ignition like a light switch. If your lights are on when the light switch breaks, it doesn’t turn off the lights. In fact, it keeps you from turning them off.

The same is true of an ignition switch. When it’s malfunctioning, it’ll keep the car in whatever state it was in when the switch broke. So, if your car is on, it’ll stay on. If your car is off, it’ll stay off. Neither is great and both require the switch to be fixed.

If your keys are getting stuck in your ignition, the switch may actually be working fine, but a critical component, the connection, is broken. This will make it difficult to put your key in the ignition and almost impossible to pull it out of the ignition. Either way, you’ll have a hard time operating your vehicle until the ignition connection is repaired or replaced.

No one wants their engine to die. It is perhaps the most important part of your vehicle. Without it, you don’t really have a car as much as a cramped, non-mobile home. Unfortunately, if your ignition switch is faulty, you are likely to experience your car’s engine stalling or dying, even as you’re driving. This is especially dangerous to you and other motorists, as it can happen unexpectedly and in places of high traffic. Generally speaking, this is the most common symptom of an issue with your ignition switch.

Once your ignition switch begins to malfunction, your car will start to lose some electrical power. This affects the accessories of your car, like internal and external lights, your radio or stereo system, and dashboard components. It can feel your automobile is haunted, but it’s probably an issue with the ignition switch.

None of the symptoms listed above are pleasant to deal with. Of course, you may be able to handle a faulty radio for a short time, but as soon as your car stalls or refuses to turn off, you’ll be dealing with an issue that’s an order of magnitude more pressing.

So, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a malfunctioning ignition, you should have an expert check it out immediately. If you’re dealing with your keys getting stuck, your car’s engine dying, or your car refusing to turn off, make sure to call the experts at Locksmith Jet immediately. We can diagnose the issue and work to resolve it for you so you can get back on the road.

We’re a trusted, dependable, and honest locksmith service with a focus on helping customers with what they need at an affordable price. We’re available for both routine and emergency services, and we’re proud of the many recurring customers we have.

Our emergency services are available throughout New York City and at short notice. We can help you get your car started by repairing or replacing your ignition switch, as well as cut new keys and replace key fobs in the unfortunate case of them being lost.

Because we offer so many services, we can help you with any number of lock-based situations and emergencies. Whether you’re locked out of your home, car, or business, we can help you regain access and feel secure.