- Why AutoTechIQ
- Fixes
- Shops Near You
- Vehicle Symptoms
- What Are Common Car Failure Searches?
- What Do My Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?
- Why Does My Car Drive Weird?
- Why Does My Car Make Noises?
- Why Does my Car smell?
- Symptoms Without Summary
- Car Leaking Coolant
- AC Isn't Cooling
- AC Blowing Hot Air
- Shaking While Driving
- Overheating AC
- AC Smells Like Vinegar
- Heater Not Working
- Windshield Wipers Don't Work
- Car Leaking Water
- Car Leaking Red Fluid
- Car Battery Leaking
- AC Only Work Sometimes
- Shaking While Idle
- Shaking At High Speeds
- Evap System Leak
- Shaking While Braking At High Speeds
- Shaking When Stopped
- Shaking When Accelerating
- Radiator Leaking
- Pink Fluid Leaking
- Car Leaking Oil
- AC Not Working.
- Car Leaking Gas
- Power Steering Fluid Leak
- Bad Brake Caliper
Hey, Why Is My Car's Ignition Switch Failing?
If you are short on time and want to fast-track the process to professional help, click Yes
Is Your Car's Ignition Switch Malfunctioning?
The ignition switch is failing because the car's battery might be weak. It might also be that the switch itself is internally faulty or getting poor wiring connection. Alternatively, the car might be on "security lockout," which you'll know by checking if there's a padlock icon on the dashboard.
Don't let ignition switch problems be the downfall of your trusty ride. Instead, stay ahead of the game by learning to spot early warning signs and communicate them with a technician in case you seek professional assistance.
A defective ignition switch can turn into a major breakdown. Our guide teaches you how to identify and address ignition issues before they escalate, saving you time and money at the repair shop.
Let's Get To The Bottom Of It!
- The ignition switch is like a switchboard that controls your car's power flow. When starting the ...read more
The ignition switch is like a switchboard that controls your car's power flow. When starting the vehicle, the switch powers different car parts. If the switch wears out or is damaged, it won't send power to where it should, making the car difficult to start. Sometimes, if the contacts inside the switch burn or wear out, the car starts and dies because it's not getting the necessary power to stay running.
If you notice the vehicle failing to start, the lack of dashboard lights, the key switch turning hard, or the key stuck in the ignition, save this information; they're essential if you go to an auto shop later.
- The car needs battery power to start. The vehicle is hard to start if the battery is weak or faul...read more
The car needs battery power to start. The vehicle is hard to start if the battery is weak or faulty. This happens even if you keep trying to start because the battery can't send power to the system that triggers the engine. Sometimes a weak battery seems like a failing ignition switch, but it's actually a battery-related issue.
If you notice the dashboard lights activating and deactivating, clicking or chattering noises, engine cranks, radio issues, or no lights activating, save this information; they're essential if you go to an auto shop later.
- The ignition switch controls the power flow in your car. Over time, it can wear out and become lo...read more
The ignition switch controls the power flow in your car. Over time, it can wear out and become loose due to constant movement and road vibrations. This vibration can cause the switch to lose contact, stopping the car temporarily.
If you notice sudden stops, intermittent dash lights, inoperative accessories, the car changing behavior when you touch keys, or the car changing behavior on rough roads, save this information; they're essential if you go to an auto shop later.
- Modern cars have security systems that check if the driver uses the right key. If the key is not ...read more
Modern cars have security systems that check if the driver uses the right key. If the key is not recognized, the car's engine, fuel, and starting systems won't work. When this happens, the anti-theft light flashes on the car's dashboard.
If you notice the security light on the car's dashboard, save this information; they're essential if you go to an auto shop later.
- The shifter has safety switches to prevent the key from being removed unless the car is in park. ...read more
The shifter has safety switches to prevent the key from being removed unless the car is in park. If the shifter mechanism is broken or stuck, the car may not turn off even when it's in park, which can leave the engine running.
If you notice the shifter is hard to move or the shift cannot move to park, save this information; they're essential if you go to an auto shop later.
- Ignition switches have a limited power capacity, so they use relays to handle most of the load. I...read more
Ignition switches have a limited power capacity, so they use relays to handle most of the load. If these relays are worn or corroded, they won't transfer the necessary power, even with the ignition switch working. This can make the car's systems not work correctly.
If you notice the vehicle cranks for a long time before starting, save this information; they're essential if you go to an auto shop later.
Find Professional Help
Please select your vehicle's brand and location so we can locate the best professional help for youVehicle Health Inspection Proof
Explore the following typical inspection results that show a potential cause for the symptom and select the one you believe is similar to your vehicle's issue.
Weak battery
Security lockout
Stuck key
Faulty relay
Poor connections
Faulty ignition switch
This proof image shows the results of a battery test on a scanning tool's screen. In this case, the battery failed the load test.
A customer brought their car to the shop because it wouldn't start. The dash lights activated but then went off, and a chattering noise came from the dashboard. They had to jump-start the car to get it going.
When the technician test-drove the car, they found that the radio and clock reset, as if the battery wasn't connected. But there were no other problems.
During the vehicle health inspection, the technician found the battery was weak and due replacement. However, after replacing the battery, the car ran fine. In this case, there was no need for additional tests.
1/6
This image shows a car's dashboard displaying the anti-theft light. This light flashes because the car doesn't recognize a key in the ignition switch.
A customer had their car towed to the shop because it wouldn't start. They said it was as if the battery died, even though the dash lights were active and didn't dim. They also said a warning light, similar to a key, flashed on the dashboard.
The technician couldn't test drive the car and had to push it into the garage. During the vehicle health inspection, the technician found the security light was flashing, and the car's computer had a code related to the anti-theft system.
The technician asked the customer if they had a spare key and tried it. The car started and ran fine with the spare key. The technician determined that the original key must be replaced and a new one programmed to the anti-theft module.
2/6
This image shows a stuck key in a car's ignition. In this case, the key won't move out of the "on" position.
A customer brought their car to the shop because the key was stuck in the "on" position. They said they could shift the car into gear and park it but couldn't turn the engine off or remove the key. They also mentioned the gas was lowering.
On the test drive, the technician found that the key was stuck in the "on" position but could be moved to the start position.
During the vehicle health inspection, the shifter assembly looked sticky, and there was residue that appeared to be from a soda spill. Therefore, additional tests were necessary, which the customer agreed to.
The technician removed the shifter assembly and found soda residues on its mechanical part. The residues prevented the cable connecting to the ignition switch from moving, making the car permanently on.
Then, the technician manually moved the mechanism and was able to turn off the ignition. The shifter assembly needs replacement.
3/6
This image shows an opened fuse box. The red arrow points to a faulty relay, preventing power from reaching many of the car's accessories. This results in different issues in the battery system.
A customer brought their car to the shop because the lights on the dashboard and the radio stopped working. They said the lights used to flicker, but now they won't come on at all. They thought the ignition switch might be faulty.
During the test drive, the technician found that all the accessories in the car were not working.
During the vehicle health inspection, they found nothing related to the customer's concern. However, the technician needed additional tests, to which the customer consented. They checked all the fuses, and none were blown.
Then, they checked if power was coming from the ignition switch to the accessories and found a faulty accessory relay. After replacement, the accessories started working again.
4/6
This proof image shows the electrical part of a car's ignition system. In this case, this part is failing and losing connectivity.
A customer brought their car to the shop because its engine would die for about 3 seconds and restart when driving over bumpy roads. Then, the dash lights and radio would stop, but the clock didn't reset, and the radio presets were still there.
During the test drive, the technician found that they could reproduce the customer's concern by tapping on the steering column while driving. This indicated the problem was inside the steering column, requiring disassembly and further inspection.
Disassembly and inspection were approved. The wiring and connector tested fine, and the technician replaced the ignition switch, which fixed the issue.
5/6
This image shows the inside of a malfunctioning ignition switch. The red arrows point toward burn marks on both parts, resulting in ignition switch issues.
A customer brought their car to the shop because it was starting and immediately dying. The lights on the dashboard would come on when starting the car, then they would disappear, the car would die, and the lights would reappear.
The technician couldn't test drive the car because it would start and die when they let go of the key.
During the inspection, they found nothing related to the customer's concern. So, they got approval for additional tests.
They took apart the steering column during additional tests to access the ignition switch. They used an electricity-measuring tool and found that when the key was in the "run" position, it would prevent power from starting the engine.
They took apart the switch and found that the contacts were burnt. The vehicle needs a new ignition switch.
6/6Typical Fixes to Address the Cause(s)
The following chapters bases themselves on experiences from our auto repair shop; we'll describe related problems' causes and fixes.
The AutoTechIQ ranking for Safety, Cost Avoidance, and Environmental Impact is
Vehicle Symptoms
Below are just a few examples of typical Symptoms and Fixes your car might be experiencing
Other things your auto repair shop might talk about:
Steering wheel. Starter motor. Ignition switch replacement cost. Poor ignition switch contacts. Fuel pump. Fuse and wiring issues. bad ignition switch symptoms. ignition switch located. ignition cylinder