Ignition Switch

The word ignition switch is most oft used interchangeably to mean the lock cylinder of the car in which the key is put in, and the electronic switch that exists at the back of the lock cylinder. In specific cars, these two parts are agglomerated to form a single unit, while in other cars they function as separate parts. It is always recommended to go through your car's shop manual before purchasing an ignition switch. This should be done to assure that you purchase the right part.



The ignition switch usually possesses four positions: on, start, off and accessories. While certain cars possess two off positions: lock and off, the others let the key to be taken off from the ignition. When the key is taken to the accessories position, specific accessories like radio are turned on. But the accessories like window motors which consume battery power to a great extent remain off to forbid the unnecessary draining of the car's battery. The accessories position eats up least battery power while the engine is not operating. This is the reason why drive-in-movie theaters advise that the car should be kept in the accessories position during the movie.



Ignition Switch: Function



The role of the ignition switch is to charge up the car engine.



How does Ignition switch work?



The ignition switch exerts a force to the fly wheel through a gear operated by an electric mechanism. All the latest ignition switches are provided with scores of switching options. The options available include "Start", "On", "Off", "Accessories" and "Lock". You can switch off the car system just by using the "Off" option. The "Lock" option allows you to dispatch the keys after you switch off. The start position is basically spring loaded. As you put in the key and take it to the start from off/lock position, the starter gear starts working and the car starts. As soon as you loosen your grip, the key goes to the "On" position. This tells you that the starter gear is disconnected.



Ignition Switch Problems



Ignition switch problems chiefly take place due to malfunctioning of the locking cylinder. It can also happen due to the malfunctioning of electrical switch. But the question is how to deal with the ignition switch problems?



Ways to deal with ignition switch problems



The functioning of ignition switch is extremely crucial and so you must not compromise when you are required to deal with ignition switch problems. The best technique to repair the malfunctioning ignition switch is to change it.



Ways to replace an ignition switch



Follow the enumerated steps to replace your ignition switch:



•Disengage the negative battery cable from the battery terminal. Keep the steering column covers aside. This can be done by declipping the covers.



• Take out the steering wheel by removing the center cover, disengaging the horn wire and taking out the retaining nut and washer. Put a mark on the steering wheel spline so that you can easily line it back up when necessary. and the wheel itself so you can line it back up precisely. Draw in the steering wheel straight back.



• Remove the windshield wiper and move around the signal switches. Disengage the wiring.



• Unclip the ignition switch mounting screws. Disengage the wiring connector from behind the ignition switch. Just loosen the tabs and remove them.



• Put in your key to the ignition. Place the ignition switch to "Lock". Fix the retaining pins using screwdriver and turn off the key to free the ignition cylinder. After this, fix the key to "lock" and take out both the key and the key cylinder.



• Install the previous key cylinder to the new ignition switch assembly. Re-fix wiring to the switch and assemble the removed parts and fix them.





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