5 COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A BAD IGNITION SWITCH -

In this article, you can see some of the most common symptoms of a bad ignition switch on your car.

This problem is not that often but when it happens you’ll have problems starting the car, sometimes turning it off and else.

So, it is a pretty serious problem, and it is useful to recognize this issue on time.

Besides this article, you can also watch videos on our YouTube channel where you can see lots of car and driving-related videos.

ABOUT THE IGNITION SWITCH

Before we start we must mention one important thing in order to understand this problem better:

The ignition switch has two main parts that are connected with each other: the mechanical and the electrical part.

The mechanical part is where you push the key in and turn.

The mechanical part is connected to the electrical part which is a type of rotary switch that turns on all the main and vital systems in your car which are the power supply to the car’s computer, the starter, and much more.

That electrical part is what we’re going to be talking about in this video.

If you have problems with the mechanical part of the ignition switch, you can read our article and see our video specifically on that topic where we show you a couple of easy ways to fix the problem.

SYMPTOMS OF A BAD IGNITION SWITCH

1. THE CAR OCCASIONALLY DOES NOT CRANK

The first symptom of a bad ignition switch is that when you turn the key there is no crank. The next time you try everything works as normal.

At first, this problem may occur in every let’s say 100 cranks but it will get worse over time as the contacts within the switch start failing more and more.

2. THERE IS NO CRANK AT ALL

As the problem gets worse, the car may not crank at all.

Simply, you turn the ignition switch to crank and nothing happens. Also, it may suddenly want to crank after a couple of turns.

It is very important in this phase to make a good diagnosis of the problem in order to eliminate any other causes like a bad starter, relay, a simple burnt-out fuse, or else.

3. YOU TURN THE KEY AND THERE IS NO POWER

Besides cranking you may also experience that when you turn the ignition there is absolutely nothing.

So, you turn the ignition key and there are no signs of the car coming to life like the dashboard lights appearing, the fuel pump buzzing, or else.

It much resembles a bad battery problem in this phase.

4. THE CAR KEEPS RUNNING WHEN YOU TURN OF THE IGNITION

One more symptom of a bad ignition switch is a very awkward one. You turn off the ignition key and the engine continues running.

In some cases, you can even pull out the key and the engine will still continue running.

5. THE CAR SUDDENLY CUTS OFF

The final and perhaps most frightening symptom of a bad ignition switch is a sudden and total cut-off of the power supply.

It can happen when you want to start the car, but much worse, it can suddenly happen during driving making this phase of the problem very dangerous.

In this case, the ignition switch is totally damaged and it’s best not to drive the car at all.

CONCLUSION

The best time to make an inspection of the ignition switch problem is when the car occasionally doesn’t want to crank.

This symptom of a bad ignition switch is pretty easy to spot and you can react on time.

Again, it is very important to make a good diagnosis of the problem since things like bad starter brushes, a bad starter solenoid, bad contacts a bad relay, and others have almost the same symptoms.

Once you do that, replace the ignition switch as soon as possible, it’s, in fact, a matter of safety.