The last thing we want to experience is a car key that won’t turn. It is even more unfortunate if the car starts but sputters out just seconds later.
What worse is when the car won’t turn over again, even though it was successful a moment before. These could be symptoms of a bad ignition switch.
The ignition switch is a vital piece of getting your car started. It sends electricity to components that get the engine up and running. Still, when the ignition switch is not working, a driver might be faced with the cost and labor associated with a repair.
Fears of thousand dollar replacement costs and hours in labor fees spring to mind, but luckily the damage is not as bad as you think.
It may be easy enough to replace yourself if you are brave enough to dive into your dashboard.
Regardless, here’s what you need to know about the symptoms of bad ignitions switches and their replacement costs.
Why Do Cars Need Ignition Switches?
There is a keyhole or a push-button somewhere on the dash, typically on the steering column. That keyhole or push button is the literal key to starting your car, as the complex mechanism begins with the ignition cylinder. Once turned or pressed, the ignition switch tells the car’s computer to start up the engine.
The computer can perform this process thanks to the ignition coil. As the car starts up, the ignition coil sends electricity to the spark plugs, igniting fuel vapors to start the combustion process. When the ignition switch is bad, you will notice these main symptoms.
Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Switch
Here are common signs drivers can observe related to ignition switch problems.
Engine Will Not Start
If you have a bad ignition switch, your engine will not start. As the first component of starting the car, a bad ignition switch will not send the required electricity to the starter motor, other ignition components and even the computer, leaving you stranded.
While it is easy to jump to conclusions when your car does not start, you must check other vehicle components, such as the battery or starter. You can quickly check these parts at a local auto-parts store to rule them out.
Flashing Dashboard Lights or Other Accessories
As you are driving around, if you notice that indicators on your dash begin to flash at random intervals, or even the dome lights flickering, that could be a sign of a connector going out in the ignition switch.
Usually, this type of failure is due to corrosion, and the only remedy is a replacement. Yet, like an engine that fails to start, this is not a surefire method of testing your ignition switch. A faulty alternator can also cause similar events inside your car.
A Lack of Engine Crank Noises
Starting up a car is a noisy process, and the starter motor makes a distinct noise everyone knows. When you turn your key or press the start button, the electricity brings the starter motor to life, but there could be no sound if your car has a bad ignition switch.
If you hear noises like clicking, grinding, whining or whirring, that is a sign of something else, and you should be mindful of those sounds. The faulty ignition switch will fail to send a signal to other components, resulting in the lack of sound.
Engine Starts but Sputters Out
In some cases, the bad ignition switch will let the smallest amount of electricity through the system, but not enough to keep components running, such as the fuel pump. As a result, you might get the car going, but it will not stay functional.
It is also crucial to note that once your car stalls out, you might not be able to get it started again. This failure to restart is often because of worn-out parts that respond poorly to movement or temperature.
Difficulty Turning the Key
Owners of push-button cars will not have difficulty turning a key, but they could have a button that fails to work. A bad ignition switch could make it difficult or even impossible to turn the key.
Of course, you can do a couple of troubleshooting steps to make sure the problem is not something other than the bad ignition switch. First, jiggle your steering wheel with the brakes pressed; you may have engaged the steering lock. You can check for foreign objects or stiff components by shaking the key. Just be careful not to break it off inside.
Car Keeps Running Without the Key
One of the most satisfying aspects of a key is the power to shut the car down simply by removing it. With a bad ignition switch, removing the key may not shut everything down but instead continue allowing the car to run.
While somewhat rare, your car continuing to run is a symptom to keep an eye out for, especially if you have experienced any of the other issues mentioned so far. Once the immobilizer recognizes the key, it does not need it again until the next time you start your car.
Cost of Replacing a Bad Ignition Switch
Once you have gone through the troubleshooting and realize that you need a new ignition switch, the next question is, how much does it cost?
The part is relatively inexpensive, ranging from $60-$100.
If you decide to have someone install it for you, expect an additional $75-$175 in labor, bringing the total cost around $275.
Replacing a bad ignition switch is not a difficult task; however, it can be more challenging in some cars than in others, like if the ignition switch is on the dash instead of the steering column. Diving into the dash is probably enough reason to let a professional make the swap.
Wrapping Up…
It is never fun to face another repair on your vehicle. When you do not know what is happening, a repair can be even more stressful. Luckily, there are a few symptoms to help you look out for potential issues with your ignition switch.
As far as repairs go, a bad ignition switch could be much worse. At most, a $275 charge is better than some other problems you could have, like a failed alternator or seized engine. It is best not to ignore the signs, especially if your lights are flashing or your engine is stalling.
