Vehicle Ignition Switch Repair Services

Vehicle Ignition Switch Repair Services

Posted by on May 31, 2016 in Locksmith |

Starting and ignition systems are vital for the car and they both require electricity to operate.

Here are some guidelines for troubleshooting:

One should make sure that the automatic transmission is in the correct gear and the clutch on a manual transmission is completely depressed. If the car doesn’t make a noise when it is started, check the battery terminal connections and then look for other loose connections in the ignition systems.

Replacing the Car’s Starter

For replacing the starter motor or starter solenoid, follow these steps:

First, remove the negative cable from the battery.

Locate the starter, it is a nearly three inches round motor located at one side or the other of the flywheel. The solenoid is probably mounted on the side of the starter.

Disconnect the battery cable and other wires attached to the starter or solenoid.

Remove the solenoid and starter by removing two bolts that mount the starter. Be careful not to drop the starter. In case the solenoid is not attached to the starter then remove it from the firewall.
Replace or repair the starter and solenoid. It is better to buy a replacement from an auto dealer. It should be tested before buying.

Reinstall the solenoid and starter. All the connections should be tightened and checked before using the starter.

Diagnosing and Treating Ignition Ills

The job of an automotive ignition system is simple, it supplies a spark to the engine at the time it’s most needed. Fortunately today’s technology has stabilized and the newest cars at least have some logic. Not even mechanics repair ignition systems, they replace bad components. By using a simple volt-ohmmeter, many problems can be tracked down and many ignition system problems can be solved.

Repairing Ignition switch

ignition switchThe ignition switch of today has become more complex, earlier it was simple, three-position switch with Off, On and Start. The ignition switch is now linked to sensors, interlocks, anti-theft devices and the bank. The failure of an ignition switch typically is fortunately traced to a loose wire.The ignition coil takes the weak battery power and turns it into a spark that is powerful enough to ignite your fuel’s vapor. There are two coils of while in the ignition coil and they are right on top of each other called windings. The windings are differentiated as primary and secondary. The primary winding gathers the power to create a spark. The secondary winding sends it to the distributor.

For repairing an ignition switch and wiring, follow this simple guide:

1. Locate the electrical schematic of your car’s ignition system. The schematic tells what is in the ignition wiring system such as sensors and interlocks, besides the switch. Usually it is printed in the car manual or an aftermarket service manual.

2. Visually inspect the ignition switch and wiring for any loose wires, burns or any other damage. It can be reconnected and replaced as needed.

3. An ohmmeter can be used to test the continuity of wiring and ignition switch. The defective parts have to be replaced as needed.

Replacing Sensors and Control Modules and Distributors

A car’s ignition system has many electrical components like sensors, control module and distributor.

For testing and replacing electronic ignition components, follow these steps:

1. Locate the car’s electronic ignition and distributor. It is also called ignition control module or ICM. It controls the ignition system and is mounted either within the distributor or nearby.
2. Move the ICM cover as needed, inspect it for any problems such as loose wires, cracked cap or rotor. It has to be cleaned and replaced as necessary.
3. Use an ohmmeter for testing continuity of each component. Locate the sensors and test it along with the ignition control module.
4. Remove and replace the distributor if necessary. Note the rotor’s exact position so it will help in reinstalling the new distributor with the rotor in the same position.
5. Document the required steps very carefully for easy reference.

Automotive Locksmith 6Basically, a car engine is like a large pump. Air and gas are being pumped in and exhaust is being pumped out. There is a by-product of excess energy that is being sent to the wheels and exhaust (which exits through the tailpipe). Your car’s engine combines the air and the fuel, and adds a spark. This is what we refer to as ignition.
The ignition system contains an ignition coil, a distributor, a distributor cap, a rotor, plug wires and spark plugs. Older ignition systems use what is called a “points-and-condenser system” in the distributor. Current ignition systems like the one your car most likely contains uses an ECU. An ECU or an engine control unit controls the spark and ignition timing.

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Why Getting Your Key Stuck In The Ignition Isn’t The End Of The World

Why Getting Your Key Stuck In The Ignition Isn’t The End Of The World

Posted by on May 28, 2016 in Locksmith |

Cars are machines. And, as with most machines, they tend to cause more trouble than they are worth, especially if they are not properly maintained; that isn’t to say that proper maintenance will keep all the mishaps away.

Sometimes complications just arise, and there is little you can do about it. Most vehicle owners will attest to the irritation they feel anytime their keys get stuck in the ignition.

This isn’t even that rare a phenomenon and most people are often at a loss. And why wouldn’t they be? Sometimes the key simply refuses to budge, no matter how hard you twist and turn it. In such cases, it is important to proceed with a cool head, even when things seem dire.

Why Getting your Key Stuck in the Ignition Isn’t the End of the World?

The first thing most people do when their keys get stuck in the ignition is to panic, which doesn’t really change anything. The second thing most people do, once the panic fades away, is to call the nearest mechanic.

Where the mechanic proves ineffective, they turn to a locksmith. For the most part, though, these problems are rarely as complex as they might sound. If your key is stuck in the ignition, there are several steps you can take by yourself to remedy the problem, this as opposed to spending money on a mechanic:

1). Position

The first thing you need to do when your key gets stuck is to check the position. Ensure that the key is in the lock position. There are a lot of drivers that turn their key too far, so much so that it becomes impossible to remove, not because it is stuck but, rather, it is in the wrong position.

This is very common in vehicles where the cylinders have aged, making it that much easier to turn the key beyond the required point. If your car is off but you can still play the radio, then you shouldn’t be surprised to find the key stuck.

You should remember that automatic vehicles will not allow you to remove the key from the ignition if the gear is not in the park position. Most people find that their keys are more than willing to slide out of the ignition when they put their cars in park and turn the key to the proper position.

2). The Steering

Steering WheelThe most common solution for a key stuck in the ignition is moving the steering wheel. Gently jiggle the steering wheel back and forth as you try to pull the key out of the ignition.

There are situations where the steering wheel locks in place, this, in turn, causing the ignition switch to lock your key in place. Unlocking the steering system should allow you to safely remove the key from the ignition; though, you shouldn’t pull too hard on the key. Rather, focus your efforts on the steering wheel.

Once the steering unlocks, you should be able to pull the key out.

3).The Battery

Dead Car BatteryThere are a lot of modern cars that will lock the key in place when the battery dies, primarily because the chip in the key cannot be accurately identified by the car’s anti-theft system. If the dashboard fails to light up when the key is in the On position, you will need to partially charge the battery before the key can be pulled from its position.

4). Bobby Pin

Where these basic solutions to remove stuck keys fail to deliver results, you will have to get creative. It is possible to succeed by using a pair of pliers; though, care is required. You cannot jerk the key from one side to another, lest you cause it to break.

A bobby pin might prove to be more effective, but only if you actually know what you are doing.

The Locksmith

If everything fails, this including the use of silicon sprays to get the key free you will have to seek out the services of a professional locksmith. Emergency Locksmiths are the safest option, even safer than you trying to solve the problem yourself.

Because you lack the necessary knowledge, you are likely to cause damage. If you doubt your ability to utilize the approaches above without breaking your key in the ignition, you are better off contacting a Locksmith from the very start.

The right locksmith should be able to successfully remove the key even while telling you why it got stuck in the first place. Be sure to leave the key in lock position while waiting for the locksmith. You do not want to deplete your battery.

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