It can be frustrating when your car won’t start. You turn the key, and nothing happens. If this is a problem you are experiencing, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many people have trouble starting their car when the ignition switch is bad. In this blog post, we will teach you how to start a car with a bad ignition switch.
How to Start a Car with a Bad Ignition Switch?
Have you been having trouble with your car’s starting? If so, below are the method which can help you if you want to know how to Start a Car with a Bad Ignition Switch? All it takes are some tools and “YOU”.
Hotwiring
If trick will work if your car is made in mid-19s. Newer models have a chip in the key that needs to be read by the ignition in order for it to start. This means that hotwiring won’t work on these types of cars. However, if you’re lucky enough to have an older model, hotwiring it is an easy way to get around a bad ignition switch.
What You’ll Need:
- Pliers
- Wire cutters
- A screwdriver
Instructions:
First, locate the positive and negative terminals on your battery. You can do this by looking for the + and – symbols. Once you’ve found them, use your pliers to disconnect the cables from the terminals. Next, take your wire cutters and strip about half an inch of insulation off of each end of a piece of wire. Once that’s done, twist each end around its respective terminal (positive to positive, negative to negative). Make sure that the connections are tight so that there is no chance of them coming loose while the car is running.
Now, take the other end of the wire and touch it to the ignition switch. If everything is working properly, the engine should start right up! If not, you may need to fiddle with the connections a bit or try a different method altogether.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you find yourself in this situation. First, hotwiring your car will probably void any warranty that it may have had. Second, this is only a temporary fix – you’ll want to get your ignition switch replaced as soon as possible. Finally, be careful! Hotwiring can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Screwdriver And Drill
This trick could also work, but be aware that it could damage your Ignition switch. You’ll know how to start a car if you have broken an ignition!
When you’ve located the keyword get the metal drill and start drilling into the keyword. Make sure to make the length of the drill the side of your key. Doing this will destroy the pins of ignition cylinder which was inside your car. After drilling put the screwdriver into the keyhole. Now screwdriver is your new key, now you can turn the ignition and in this way your car will ignite and start.
Jumper cables
To ignite the car using this method you’ll need to open the hood of the car after that you need to find the ignition coil and of course the battery. After finding these important things have a jumper cable and connect the positive terminal of the battery to positive site of ignition coil and vice versa. Doing this will power up the car and you’ll see power going to the dashboard.
Now to start the car you need to find the solenoid and then connect it with the positive terminal of the battery. After connecting it unplug the wiring of the ignition switch. After removing the old connect connect short out the solenoid’s positive terminal with screwdriver to the site where the ignition switch is connecting.
You’ll see solenoid being active and this in turn will start your car. Have you ever thought why my car feels sluggish when accelerating?
How Ignition Switch Works?
Ignition switch is an electrical switch which is used to start the engine by supplying power to the starter motor. It is usually located on the steering column or dashboard of the car. Ignition switch has three positions:
OFF: In this position, all accessories are turned off but battery is still supplied with power.
ACC: In this position, all accessories are turned on but engine cannot be started.
ON/START: This is the final position where ignition system and fuel system gets activated and engine can be started by turning the key further.
When you turn the key to ON/START position, a small amount of current flows from battery through starter solenoid coil which activates it. Starter solenoid is a large electromagnetic switch which when activated, supplies the high amount of current from battery to starter motor. Starter motor is a large electric motor which rotates the flywheel/engine crankshaft at a very high speed and starts the engine.
How Can Ignition Switch Go Bad?
Although ignition switch is made durable and can last very long, it is not indestructible. With time and usage, parts inside the switch can become loose or break which will cause problems in starting the engine. Also, moisture or water can enter into ignition switch assembly and corrode the electrical contacts which again causes intermittent or no power flow to starter solenoid coil.
In short, there are many reasons why an ignition switch may go bad but most common ones are:
- Worn out internal parts
- Water/moisture damage
- Corroded electrical contacts
Bad ignition switches are one of the most common reasons for cars not starting. If you have a car with a bad ignition switch, then you might have asked yourself that how to start a car with a bad ignition switch. By following above mentioned methods you can start a car with a bad ignition switch.
Signs That You Have A Faulty Ignition Switch
If you have a faulty ignition switch, then there are some signs which will let you know about it. These signs are:
- Difficulty in starting the car
- Interference in the electrical system
- Stalling of the engine
If you notice any of these signs, then it is most likely that your ignition switch has gone bad and needs to be replaced.
Replacing A Faulty Ignition Switch
Although it is not an easy task and you may need professional help to do this but if you want to do it yourself you will need some tools like screwdrivers, pliers and a wrench. You can follow these steps for replacing the ignition switch:
Step One: Disconnect The Battery
The first step is to disconnect the battery . For this, you will need to remove the negative cable from the battery.
Step Two: Remove The Panel
The next step is to remove the panel that covers the ignition switch. For this, you will need to use a screwdriver. Once the panel is removed, you will be able to see the ignition switch.
Step Three: Disconnect The Wires
The next step is to disconnect the wires that are connected to the ignition switch. For this, you will need to use a wrench. Once the wires are disconnected, you can remove the old ignition switch.
Step Four: Install The New Ignition Switch
The next step is to install the new ignition switch in place of the old one. For this, you will need to use a screwdriver. Once the new ignition switch is in place, you can connect the wires back to it.
Step Five: Test The New Ignition Switch
The next step is to test the new ignition switch by starting the car. If the car starts, then you have successfully installed the new ignition switch. If not, then you will need to repeat the steps above until you are successful.
**Effective Strategies to Start a Car with a Faulty Ignition Switch**
Maintenance is an integral aspect of owning any asset, especially items frequently utilized such as automobiles. Regular maintenance ensures that vehicles remain in optimal condition, but occasionally, unforeseen issues may arise. One prevalent issue, primarily affecting older models equipped with conventional keys, is a malfunctioning ignition switch. This can be especially inconvenient when you’re in a hurry, as it prevents the car from starting.
Fortunately, there are practical approaches to address this problem. In the following, we will explore some useful techniques for starting a car with a faulty ignition switch and delve into potential causes behind this malfunction.
How To Prevent Ignition Engine From Aging?
Bad ignition switches are a common cause of engine banging. To prevent this from happening, you should always keep your ignition switch clean and free of dirt and debris. You should also check it regularly for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice any problems with your ignition switch, you should replace it immediately. By following these simple steps, you can prevent engine banging and keep your car running smoothly.
- Make sure wires are free of corrosion
If your car has been sitting for a while, the wires may have become corroded. This can prevent the current from flowing properly and cause engine banging. To fix this, you should clean the wires with a wire brush or sandpaper. You should also check the terminals for any signs of corrosion. If you notice any, you should clean them with a solution of vinegar and water.
- Lose Connections And Damaged Insulations
Another reason for engine banging could be loose connections and damaged insulations. This can cause the current to jump from one wire to another, causing a short circuit. To fix this, you should check all the connections and make sure they are tight. You should also replace any damaged insulation.
FAQs
How Do I Know If My Ignition Switch Is Bad?
There are a few signs that can indicate that your ignition switch is bad. These include, the engine not starting, the engine stalling, and the headlights flickering. If you notice any of these signs, you should take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.
What To Do If I Don’t Have A Screw Driver?
You can use coat hanger wire instead of screw driver. However, screw driver is the best option.
How To Tell If I Have A Bad Ignition Switch?
To say for sure, first you need to check the plugs, wires, and distributor. If these are all in good condition, then you can check the ignition switch itself. You can do this by testing for continuity with a multimeter.
If you find that your ignition switch is bad, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. A bad ignition switch can cause a variety of problems, and it’s not something you want to ignore. With a little bit of effort, you can replace your own ignition switch and save yourself some money.
