An overview of ignition problem and malfunctions. What is an ignition switch malfunction? What is an immobilizer malfunction?
The ignition key is an important electronic component in many road and maritime vehicles. It allows control of the vehicle’s electrical system. It can be found on the right side, just behind your steering wheel. Many new vehicles come with push and button systems, but ignition keys are still used.
It’s used to make the engine move first. It can be used to power multiple systems. The majority of ignition switches have four positions. The first position unlocks and activates the steering wheel. The second position activates vehicle’s electrical devices. The third position turns on vehicle’s computer and activates fuel and ignition system. Finally, the fourth position starts and stops the engine. It acts as a switch and sends an electric current to it when needed.
Faulty Ignition Switch
The ignition switch can wear over time and produce signs of malfunction that will alert drivers. Common symptoms include the vehicle not starting or the key sticking in the ignition.
There are two ways to examine ignition switch failures:
Mechanical Failures
- – Keep your fingers on the ignition switch
- – Insist on the ignition code
These mechanical problems can cause the key to stop working, the ignition to jam and the vehicle not to start. Such a fault should be rectified by a replacement.
Electrical Faults
- – Wear and Oxidation of Contact Terminals
- – Destruction of the contact terminal
- – Dead battery on your card
- – Water exposure
The components that receive current from the contact will fail due to wear, oxidation or breakage. In such cases, the ignition switch terminals should be replaced. The digital display of the instrument cluster displays the “replace batteries” warning when the card’s battery has run out. In such cases, the card battery should be replaced. Your card will be disabled if it falls into water. In such cases, the card will need to be replaced.
In older cars, it was common for the key to be broken and kept in the ignition. The ignition switch could also be damaged by malfunctions in its ignition system. Such malfunctions have fallen by 70% thanks to the immobilizer chips keys found in newer vehicles. This type of ignition switch can be prone to malfunctions. These;
- – The ECU short circuit can cause the deletion of key codes and chip keys.
- – Circuit damage due to the immobilizer key falling from high places
- – Oxidation or dusting in the contact system
- – The switch may short-circuit if it is left in a hot, humid environment for too long
- – Use a hard object to block the key slot
You can list it as: When the immobilizer keys malfunction, the immobilizer warning lamp activates and warns you.
The ignition system can be completely replaced if the key fails in older vehicles. You can also redo the key. You will face more challenges if the key fails to immobilize.
- The authorized service will re-instate the spare key to the vehicle.
- – You can re-seal the chip of an immobilized key by installing re-software
- – You can have a duplicate key for your vehicle’s computer if you have lost them at your authorized service center.
- Your keys could be without your knowledge. This is a common reason for switches to fail.
An ignition switch problem is sudden stops of running engines. The ignition switch can fail while the engine is still running. This can cause power problems and the fuel system to stop working. There is a chance that the engine could be restarted depending on the reason for the malfunction.
A malfunctioning ignition key can cause the engine to stop working immediately after it is turned. Pressing the starter button will temporarily turn the engine on if the ignition key is not in the “on” position. The starter will stop the engine and cut off fuel and ignition power as soon as it is released.
When the key is inserted into the ignition and turned to the “acc” position, the ignition key must supply power to the vehicle’s accessories, such as the lights. If the accessories don’t turn on when the key is inserted, it means that there is a problem. The same symptoms can also be caused due to fuse or wiring problems. A proper diagnosis is recommended.
Spray an aerosol cleaner on the key slot to make sure it is clean. Next, apply compressed air using a small hose. After inserting the key into its socket, tap it gently with a small hammer to ensure that it doesn’t damage the ignition. Next, try to open the jammed ignition.
