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What Happens When Your Car Ignition Switch Fails? The ignition switch in your vehicle is responsible for a number of systems, including the engine. It could also cause frustration, for instance the key that is difficult to turn or dashboard lights that flicker. The ignition switch works by translating key movements into positions that trigger different functions. This article covers the basics of ignition switches and how to troubleshoot or fix them. The Ignition Position The ignition switch is one of the most crucial car parts that is often ignored. This tiny part allows you to turn on your engine, and provides energy to other systems within your vehicle, such as the radio, lights, and more. This is why it's important to keep your ignition switch in good working order, and why you should know what happens when it malfunctions. There are many kinds of ignition switches available on the market currently, and all perform slightly different functions according to their design. Traditional key operated switches, like they use a tumbler and specially shaped keys to start the engine and then activate electrical systems. This type of ignition switch can either be connected to the lock cylinder, or removed from it and operated via mechanical linkage. Modern ignition switches are powered by a heavy current using electronic modules instead of tumblers and key. There are some common problems with ignition switches, regardless of the type you have. Typically these issues are caused by wear and tear or external forces. For instance, a heavy keychain could strain the ignition switch every time it's inserted and removed, accelerating wear on its internals. Extreme temperature fluctuations may also impact the materials and lubricants used in the ignition switch. This causes the degradation of the switch over time. It's time to consult a professional if you notice any of these problems. The ignition switch is a serious problem that could have serious consequences for your vehicle, so it is imperative to fix any issues as soon as you notice they are present. ignition key replacement can also take preventative steps to lessen the chance of having to face this issue in the future. The Start Position The ignition switch in your car is a simple device that can make a huge difference to the way it operates. It turns on the engine and other systems with a single turning of the switch or pushing the switch. It is a crucial component of your car that enables you to travel quickly and safely. However, like any other piece of machinery it may experience issues periodically. These issues could not just stop you from starting your car, but can also cause damage to other parts. You can prevent these issues by doing regular maintenance on your car and recognizing early warning signs of ignition switch problems. The majority of ignition switches come with four positions: lock, start, acc, and accessory. The lock position blocks the key from being removed and it is not possible to use accessories or crank the engine while the switch is in this position. The accessory mode or acc position provides power to accessories such as the radio even when the engine is off. This mode can drain your battery, so make sure to use it only sparingly. The start position is the one that powers everything that runs your engine. This includes the gauges, sensors, and coils that are in your dashboard. This also triggers the spark plugs of your engine to ignite and produce combustion, which is what gets your vehicle moving. If you are having trouble in this position, your ignition switch may be malfunctioning. Multimeters can be used to test the functionality of your ignition switch. You can also see whether the switch is functioning correctly by placing your key in the ignition and turning the steering wheel to the left or right. If you notice the gears are difficult to turn or the ignition switch is leaking, you should contact your local locksmith. A bad ignition switch can also make it difficult to drive your car, as it makes it difficult to turn the steering wheel. This could be a sign of a mechanical fault with the ignition switch that needs to be fixed, so it's best to take your car into a professional as soon as you notice any issues. The Stop Position When the key is in this position all circuits that get power from the ignition switch are shut off. This includes auxiliary systems like your radio as well as the dash lights and even your power seats. The power is also cut off to the mechanical lock on the steering wheel, which means you cannot move the wheel when the car is in a parked position. If you attempt to start the engine when the key is in this position, it may be stopped immediately as that's when the an anti-theft system kicks into action. Typically, the key is kept in this position while you are driving. This is due to the fact that it allows you to control your auxiliary and convenience systems while keeping the engine off and out of reach. Depending on the brand and model of your vehicle the ignition switch could require you to press in a little bit before it enters this position. This is to ensure that it recognizes the correct key and will not allow a random key to start the engine. If the ignition switch in your car is showing signs of wear and tear, you may be experiencing a variety of signs. Common ones include the engine not starting, a difficult time turning the key, or accessories or auxiliary functions suddenly failing to work. The ignition switch is a specialized component that requires professional replacement by an experienced auto mechanic. To replace the ignition switch, you'll first need to disconnect the negative terminal from your battery. After that, remove any plastic covers or pieces that obscure the ignition switch from view. Once you've gained access to the cylinder, pull the cable off the negative terminal. Consult the owner's manual for guidance on where the battery is and how to disconnect it safely. The Accessory Position The ignition switch is among the most important parts in your vehicle. It's small, but it's essential to its operation. It's a frequent point of failure therefore it's essential to understand what happens if your ignition switch fails. You should also be able to identify the issue and repair it. The ignition switch is often neglected until it fails to function properly. The switch is essential for the operation of nearly all parts of your vehicle, and can prevent many problems. The switch activates the small cylinder once the key is placed. Modern ignition switches utilize electronic modules instead of mechanical gears, but they do the same thing, activating almost all of your car's systems. In extreme situations an ignition switch that is not working properly can cause the engine to overheat and even catch fire. In the car's manual, you will find the accessory position (ACC) which allows you to turn on electrical devices such as your radio, headlights and other accessories. They don't require the massive current needed to start your engine, as they pull power directly from the battery. It's an excellent place to play music or use other devices while driving. But don't leave it running for too long. The ignition switch may be faulty if your car key isn't able to turn, or will not turn at all. It's difficult to tell if the issue is with the switch or the key. Check the key for signs of damage, such as scratches and dents. Also, check if the key is stuck in the ignition. You can also look at the wiring inside the ignition switch. There is typically a brown, red and pink wire however only the red is typically hot when the switch is in the accessory position. If this wire is not powered by the ignition switch, it could be damaged. Consult a professional if this is the case.