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The Importance of Ignition and Key Replacement The ignition switch is a basic but vital component of your car's starting system. It converts the full power of your battery into sparks that ignite fuel vapor and initiates your engine. Like any other complex system the ignition switch is no exception. It can have issues over time. It might be necessary to jig it a little to get it working. Sometimes, it's necessary to replace the device. What is an Ignition Switch? The ignition switch is among the most vital components of your car. It lets you switch all the electrical systems that start your vehicle. Despite its importance, it can be misunderstood and could cause problems with your vehicle. We're here to help you learn the basics of how the ignition switch functions, what causes it to fail and how you can keep yours running smoothly. Your ignition switch is in three main settings including accessory, off and on. In the off position, your key can be removed, but nothing else will turn on. This disables all systems that do not require the engine's start like the dome lights and a few 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 start your car the ignition switch needs to connect to the circuit that powers the starter motor. To do this it is necessary for the ignition switch to first unlock your ignition cylinder. This is accomplished electronically by acknowledging the key cut. A small tumbler is responsible for locking and unlocking your ignition switch. It must match the unique cut of your key. The tumbler has different ramps on each side and, when you insert your key it pushes the key into the different ramps to trigger the system in the most appropriate way. The ignition switch is a small component that is often under the radar until something goes wrong with it. Because it is responsible for all the major systems that allow your vehicle to run, it's incredibly important to take care of it and get it replaced as soon as you think it's not working. Luckily professionals can easily replace your ignition switch, restoring your vehicle's functionality to its fullest. How Does an Ignition Switch Work? If you've ever been annoyed by a car that won't start, there's a good chance the ignition switch is at fault. An ignition switch is a type of electrical switch that is used to complete a circuit to start your engine. It's part of the key cylinder inside your car, or the ignition button in newer vehicles. It's a complicated system that needs to be functioning properly for your car to start and function correctly. There are four positions your ignition switch could be in off, accessory on, and start. The off position stops the power from reaching systems such as your radio or HVAC controls. The accessory position allows for systems that don't require a significant amount of power, like dashboard lights or the fuel pump's priming. The on position is where you power your starter, and the start position is where you turn the engine to get it started. In your ignition switch, there are contacts that shut when the position changes. The contacts don't have a lot of current moving through them. Instead they're used to control relays which enable the functions to function. As such, they are vulnerable to a lot of wear and tear over the course of time. They also can fail due to heat, aging or even heavy key chains. In addition to this the ignition switch also has an internal mechanical lock that is inside it to protect your vehicle while it is stationary. It's a safety precaution which is designed to prevent your vehicle being stolen. However, it could be impeded by defective internal parts. You might find that your vehicle is taking longer to start than it normally does or doesn't start at all. These are all indications that your ignition requires to be replaced. This is a critical part of your car that you depend on to get where you want to travel. It is recommended to contact an expert to pinpoint the issue as soon as possible to avoid any further issues. How Do I Replace an Ignition Switch? The ignition switch supplies energy to the charging, starting and ignition systems each time you switch on your vehicle. In time, it could get worn down or corrosion-prone. This can cause many issues such as difficulty starting your vehicle. To avoid further problems it is recommended to replace the ignition switch if it's malfunctioning. The process of replacing an ignition switch may vary based on the make and model of your car. In the majority of cases, the procedure is relatively simple. To open ignition key replacement , you'll have to remove either the dashboard cover or the steering column cover. After you have removed the cover find the ignition switch assembly beneath and carefully pry it away. You may also need to take off some screws. Then, you will have to disconnect the electrical wires from the ignition switch. After you have removed all electrical connections, you will be able remove the ignition lock from the ignition switch. You will also need to remove the washers should they be fitted. Install the new switch after you have removed the old one. Be sure to align the switch with the ignition cylinder in a proper way. Once you have done this, you are able to reconnect the wire and test the ignition switch. If everything is working properly it is possible to reassemble the steering column and any covers or panels you removed. In the majority of cases, you will need a new ignition switch key. The old key will likely be worn out and incompatible with the new ignition switch. However, some older models of vehicles will be capable of using the old key with the new ignition switch, in the event that the key is in good condition. Talk to a professional if are unsure whether you require a new ignition switch or key. A locksmith or dealership service shop will be able to tell you for certain. You may also ask your local auto parts shop to send you a new key that will work with the new ignition. Do I need a new Key? If your car is an older model with a standard key, you can typically replace the ignition switch without needing to purchase an entirely new key. Many modern vehicles use complex electronic designs and specialized security systems. An ignition switch replacement must be paired with a brand new key to work correctly. In this case, you should check to see if your car warranty or insurance will cover the cost of a replacement key. It is best to only change the ignition switch if you are equipped with the proper tools for the job. It is extremely easy to cause more damage by trying to force a stuck key or ignition out of its lock than by simply getting a professional locksmith to do the job. Doing the job yourself could result in costly repair bills for unrelated issues or even worse an automobile fire. The most common problem when an ignition switch fails is that the vehicle will not start. This is usually due to a malfunction in the transponder chip, or the ignition switch itself. If either one of these is not working correctly, the car could have difficulty starting in certain positions. Or the anti-theft device may activate. Generally speaking, if your car will not start you should take it to a local auto locksmith for an inspection. They'll be able determine the issue and suggest the most effective solution. If they have the proper tools and parts available they can also cut you a new car key or programme the current one to the new ignition. If your vehicle is equipped with transponder chips or a smart key (also known as a proximity sensor-based key) you will have to take it to the dealer to get this kind of replacement. They will need to perform an anti-theft relearn process on your vehicle in order to connect the new key with the vehicle. This can be done in the shop or on the parking lot.