The ignition switch (or starter switch) locks your steering wheel and position when it is empty so that the owner cannot start the vehicle without the proper key. This is supposed to deter anybody from starting the car without a key, but for thieves who know how to get around the lock or hotwire a car, it’s hardly a deterrent.
You probably will not have trouble with the ignition switch, but if it is bad, it could be a real problem.
The good news is that symptoms of a bad ignition switch are fairly obvious (especially if it has multiple issues), and the cost to replace it is not as bad as many people think.
How Does an Ignition Switch Work?
There are two basic electrical systems in a car: the primary system and the secondary system. The secondary system operates only on battery power. This is the system that keeps a car’s clock running when it is off.
The secondary system becomes relevant when you decide to put your key into the second position. If you are listening to music while waiting in your car, the secondary system is operational.
The primary system is stronger. For the primary system to operate, the secondary system has to transfer. When you move the switch to “on,” the primary system circuit is closed, and power can now flow.
The power goes to the series starter solenoid and various ignition system components, including the starter motor, ignition coil, and spark plugs. The spark ignites the fuel, and it creates combustion to run a car’s engine.
To operationalize a vehicle’s ignition switch, first, you need to insert the correct key into the ignition switch, typically located on the steering column.
Recently, many new cars are rigged to use a key fob that communicates with the ignition switch wirelessly. This means instead of the driver physically twisting a key, they can simply push a start button.
In almost all cases, for security reasons, there is an engine immobilizer in the picture by either a microchip (Transponder) in the key or fob that lets the car’s computer allow the ignition to start.
If the immobilizer does not recognize the signal from the transponder (or there is no signal), the vehicle will not start.
Is An Ignition Switch the Same as A Lock Cylinder?
No. They are related, then are independent components within a vehicle’s ignition system.
The ignition switch is the electrical component that powers up the starter and ignition system when the key is in the right position. It uses electrical contacts to power on accessories, run the engine, and start the engine.
The lock cylinder is the mechanical housing or cavity that the ignition key enters in and turns. It is a tumbler mechanism with precise cutting on the key that allows the tumbler to rotate only in a specific way. This rotation will electrically engage the ignition switch to power the different systems.
Bad Ignition Switch Symptoms
How do you identify if you are having an ignition switch or relay issue? Below are five of the most common signs that the ignition switch may be faulty. If you notice at least two or three of the symptoms below, in most cases, the ignition switch is broken.
#1. Key Won’t Turn.
When an ignition switch has quite a bit of damage or wear inside of it, preventing the key from properly aligning with the keyhole, it can sometimes be stuck in the ignition, almost as if the ignition lock is engaged.
This issue generally gets worse and worse as time goes on. You may start to notice that your key does not go in as easily as before, and each time it gets a little more difficult until the key does not go in entirely or does go in but does not turn.
You want to make sure the ignition lock is engaged if you turn the steering wheel back and forth while you try to lock the key.
#2. Car Will Not Start.
The ignition coil pulls battery power and uses it to fire the spark plug. If this switch goes bad, your car will no longer start. There are a few more things to check, like the battery, but the ignition system is a great place to start.
What kind of noise is your car making? If it’s dead as a door nail, will it not turn over at all? Its probably a dead battery. But you are still not out of the woods. A faulty ignition system could also run down the battery.
#3. Dashboard Lights Are Flickering.
With older vehicles, the switch wears out the older it gets. One of the first signs is that you don’t hear the primary relay click over. Check out the dashboard lights to be sure.
Now, put the key into the second position. If the ignition is where the problem begins, then the dashboard usually goes dark. Move the key to the start position and take note of the warning lights that are lit.
If the lights go out when the key goes back to the second position, there is a problem with the wiring to the ignition switch. Several times, you will notice flickering lights on your dashboard while you are driving. This is a warning to get things looked at.
This is one of the things that is better left to a qualified auto-electrician. There is a high amount of current running through these wires, which can result in serious injuries without the know-how.
#4. Accessories Won’t Power
If there is not enough power to get the car running, then there will not be enough power to get the accessories in the car running.
For example, if the radio does not work or the air conditioning does not start up, check the ignition system.
#5. Car Stalls While Driving.
If the car cuts out for no reason while the car is being driven, it simply isn’t getting enough power. This is usually a sign of the ignition system starting to have problems or the battery. If your vehicle cuts out for no reason at all, pull over to the side of the road and pick up the phone.
We can’t stress how much that is an important public safety issue. If the car starts to cut out while you’re driving it, is it a true emergency?
Ignition Switch Replacement Costs
The cost of an ignition switch varies a lot based on vehicle make and model, if it is an aftermarket or OEM switch, and whether it is a combination unit (ignition switch + lock cylinder).
The cheapest aftermarket switches can cost as little as $20, but typically, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) is always the best option. In most cases, your parts cost will range from $70 to $300.
You can expect at least $60 to $180 for labor to have your ignition switch replaced. In general terms, it should take roughly an hour to an hour and a half for a repair shop to replace an ignition switch.
If you do the math regarding the average parts and labor costs, your total ignition switch replacement costs would typically range from $130 to $480.
If you own a luxury vehicle, or have a complicated ignition switch, or are having a car dealership do the work, you can expect to land in that upper portion of the range, or higher.
If your vehicle is capable of starting, you can drive the vehicle to the mechanic on your own. If not, add in a little extra cost to have the vehicle towed. If the wiring around the ignition switch has been damaged, you can also have that fixed while you are at it.
Can I Start a Car with a Bad Ignition Switch?
Hopefully, you may find that you can start the vehicle. If that is the case, get to an auto repair shop or dealer immediately. You have an issue that must be fixed, not just for starting the vehicle.
There is the real possibility it cuts out on you while you are driving, and that could be extremely dangerous, especially for instance a highway.