Ignition Switch Replacement

When you need your an ignition switch replacement, there is no better place to turn than United Locksmith. We have the skills to diagnose whether you need your ignition repaired, or if there is another service that would better assist your ignition. Once we find out that there is a problem with your ignition switch, the next step is always to inform the customer of the issue. That includes telling them the estimated time the job will take and the price required for servicing.

Once the customer is happy with the information that they have received, we remove the battery connection so there is no power going to the engine or the electronics. Then the locksmith will begin to take apart the cover panels on the dashboard. Taking these off, and reinstalling them, will usually be the tasks, which take the most time. With the ignition exposed, it can be removed and replaced. During this time, an amateur could make the mistake of damaging wires and connections. For your own safety, and the safety of the vehicle, it is best to leave ignition switch replacement to a professional locksmith.

Diagnosing the Issue

In order to find out if you need an ignition switch replacement, first, you need to look at how the car is behaving. The initial step in diagnosing this issue is to check to see what is happening when the key is rotated to different positions. With an ignition, there are commonly four distinct places the key can be turned to. The first is “OFF” (also sometimes called “LOCK”) which is rather self-explanatory, but for the sake of clarity, it should be explained. When it comes to the electronics of the lock there is no power being directed to any part of the car when it is in the “OFF” position.

Next is the accessory position, which has the letters “ACC” on it. In this position, the current allowed to certain parts of the vehicle such as the radio and air conditioning. Then there is the “ON” section. This will turn on your display lights, allow you to operate electric windows, turn on your clock, etc. Moving your key to the “ON” position will not start the engine. In order to start the engine, you will need to move the key to the “START” position.

One of the clearest indications of ignition switch failure is that when the key is rotated to the “ON” position, the lights on the dashboard will not turn on. There could also be a significant amount of excess heat coming from the ignition. The loss of energy through heat is common when electronics are not functioning properly.

This could be because of the insulation base being melted or falling out of place. This will lead to hard jerking motions on the part of the car. Other than these issues, your ignition switch could be acting up in a variety of different ways. It can be hard to diagnose correctly, and even more difficult to conduct the ignition switch replacement itself. So if you want your car functioning properly, it is best to take it the professionals.

The Dangers of DIY

The amount of deconstruction that is required to access your ignition for an ignition switch replacement differs greatly between the makes and models of cars. Certain parts will have screws, bolts, or need to be pried open. It can be very easy to confuse what needs to be pried apart and what has a fastener that you are not finding. This type of incorrect disassembly will result in damage to the vehicle.

The amount of panel removal can seem pretty daunting, but the real danger is how much of the car you can potentially damage when all of these wires are exposed. To that same point, the electrical components being dealt with require specific safety knowledge. Once the ignition switch is removed there will also be some rewiring required. It may seem like it is just unplugging and replugging in wires, but it is more complicated than that. If wires are not installed properly, then the replacement switch will not work.

You also have to deal with getting replacement parts, and there are similar dangers to those you would face when looking to buy aftermarket electronic car keys. Call a professional to walk you through the steps. Every decision at every point in this process can place your car in jeopardy if it is done wrong. Make the right call and call a locksmith.