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The Importance of Ignition and Key Replacement The ignition switch is an essential part of the starting system of your vehicle. It's simple, but it's also very crucial. It converts the full power of your battery into a spark that ignites the vapor of fuel that initiates your engine. As with any complex system the ignition switch is prone to be affected as time passes. Sometimes, it might require a bit of jiggling to get it to work. Sometimes it may be necessary to replace the device. What is an Ignition Switch? One of the most vital elements of your car the ignition switch enables you to turn on all the electrical systems that start your engine. Despite its importance, it is possible for it to be misunderstood, which may cause problems with your vehicle. We're here to help learn the basics of how the ignition switch functions and what causes it to fail, and how to keep it functioning smoothly. There are three locations in your ignition switch: off, accessory, and on. In the off position your key can be removed but nothing else will turn on. This turns off all systems that do not require the engine's start, such as the dome lights and some of the door locks. The accessory position (also known as ACC) lets you use some of your car's non-ignition-controlled systems, like the radio and power windows. To turn on your car, the ignition switch must connect to the circuit that supplies power to the starter motor. The ignition switch must unlock the ignition cylinder before it can do this. This is done electronically, by recognising the key cut. A small tumbler is responsible for locking and unlocking your ignition switch. It should match the unique cut of your key. The tumbler has different ramps on each side, and when you insert your key it pushes it into those different ramps to activate the system in the desired manner. The ignition switch is usually an unimportant component that goes by unnoticed until something goes wrong. It's important to replace it as soon as it seems to be failing, because it is responsible for the operation of all of the major systems inside your vehicle. Luckily, professional auto locksmiths can easily replace your ignition switch and restore your car's full functionality. How Does an Ignition Switch Work? If you've ever felt frustrated by a car that won't start, there's a high chance the ignition switch is the cause. An ignition switch is an electrical device that completes the circuit that starts your engine. It is part of your vehicle's key cylinder or ignition button on newer models. It's a complicated system which needs to work correctly to allow your vehicle to start and function properly. Your ignition switch has four positions that are accessory, off, on and start. The off position stops the power from reaching systems like your radio or HVAC controls. The accessory position is for systems that do not require a lot of power to work, such as the dashboard lights and the fuel pump priming. The on position powers the starter, and the start position occurs when you turn the engine to start it. In your ignition switch, there is a set of contacts that close when you move the position. The contacts do not have a lot of current moving through them. Instead they're used to control relays which make the functions work. They are susceptible to a great deal of wear and tear over time. They are also prone to fail due to age or heat, or even heavy key chains that cause them to sway and bend, which can eventually result in the contacts separating. In addition to this the ignition switch also has a mechanical lock inside of it to protect your vehicle while it's parked. It's a security feature designed to protect your vehicle from being taken however, it could be hindered by malfunctioning internal components. If your ignition switch isn't working correctly, you may find that it takes longer than usual to start your car or that your engine won't start at all. All of these signs indicate that your ignition is in need of be replaced. This is a vital component of your vehicle that you rely on to get you to where you'd like to get to. It is best to get an expert to identify the issue quickly to avoid further problems. How Do I Replace an Ignition Switch? When you start your vehicle, the ignition switch provides power to the charging, starting and ignition systems. Over time, the ignition switch may wear down or become corroded. This could cause a variety of problems that include difficulty starting your vehicle. If you've got a damaged ignition switch, you must replace it as soon as possible to avoid any further problems. The process of replacing an ignition switch can differ based on the model of your vehicle. However, in the majority of instances, the process is fairly straightforward. First, you'll need to remove the dashboard cover or cover of the steering column to gain access to the ignition switch. Once you have removed the cover, locate the ignition switch assembly underneath and gently pull it out. You will likely need to take off several screws, too. The next step is to disconnect the switch's wires. Once you have removed all electrical connections then you'll be able to disconnect the ignition lock from the ignition switch. You will also need to remove the washers should they be fitted. After you have removed the ignition switch and cylinder, you will have to install the new switch. Make sure that you align the key switch to the ignition cylinder correctly. Once you've done this, you can reconnect all the wires and test your ignition switch. If everything is working correctly it is possible to put back together the steering column as well as any panels or covers you removed. In the majority of cases, you will need a new ignition switch key. The key you have is likely to wear out and not compatible with the new switch. However, some older models of vehicles will be able to use the existing key with the new ignition switch provided that the key is in good working order. If you are unsure whether or not you'll require a new ignition switch you should seek out a professional. A locksmith or dealership service shop will be able tell you for sure. You could also ask your auto parts shop to give you an alternative key that can work with the new ignition. Do I need a new Key? If your car is an older model with the key is standard, you can replace the ignition without needing a new one. Many modern vehicles use complex electronic designs and have specialised security systems. The replacement ignition switch needs to be used in conjunction with a new key to work correctly. In this case, you should check to find out if your warranty or insurance will cover the cost of the replacement key. It is best to only change an ignition switch when you have the correct tools for the job. It is extremely easy to cause more damage by trying to force an ignition or key stuck out of its lock than you would by simply getting an expert locksmith to complete the job. You could end up with a large repair bill or worse, the vehicle could catch fire if you try to do it yourself. When an ignition switch is broken the most common problem is that your car isn't starting. This is usually due to an issue with the transponder chip or an issue with the ignition switch. If either of these are not functioning properly, it could cause the car to have problems starting in certain positions or the anti-theft system could activate. If your car won't start and you're not sure why, take it to an auto locksmith in the area to have an inspection. They'll be able to determine the issue and suggest the best solution. If ignition key replacement cost have the tools and components they can also program your existing key to the new ignition or cut the new one for you. You'll need to bring your car to the dealer for this replacement in the event that it has a smart key or transponder chip (also known as the proximity sensor based key). The dealership will need to perform a relearning procedure to match the new key to the vehicle. This can be done in the shop or in the parking lot.