Wake Forest Locksmith

Symptoms of Car Ignition Problems

“Start your engines!” What an exciting command! We have our car ignition systems to thank for that; without a working ignition, our vehicles are staying put!

Car ignitions used to simply supply the electrical current to the ignition system while the engine was being cranked. This of course, started the car. Ignitions still do that however nowadays they also supply electricity through an accessory switch so that other car components like your windshield wipers, radio, power windows, GPS system, power seats, air conditioning, headlights and other items can operate. It all “boils down” to this; your car’s ignition system is a very complicated electronic device which allows you to activate the starting system as well as the dozen or so power components of your modern day car.

Indicators That You Have Ignition Problems

So how do you know if your ignition is acting up? Today’s cars have so many parts, wires, motors and accessories that sometimes it’s hard to tell just what needs service, repair or replacement! See if any of these indicators sound like your car’s situation.

The engine won’t turn over – this is hands down the most obvious sign that your ignition is having a problem. If you inserted your ignition key, turned the switch to START and it wouldn’t turn, or nothing happened, then you most likely have ignition problems.

No Radio Signal – this is often considered a sign that the battery is dead or run down. First of all, check to see if your volume is turned down. Many a Wake Forest NC repair shop has been called for battery replacement when all that was needed was to turn the volume up. Do your lights and radio still work but the car won’t start? It’s not the battery!

Engine Keeps Turning Over – if your vehicle’s engine turns over and over in a desperate attempt to start then your ignition system is in trouble. There may be shorts in the electrical system that is causing the problem. This is easy to determine by testing with a multimeter unit.

Car Idles Then Dies Out – If your car is running but not moving, like at a stop sign, and then dies out, the problem is most likely your ignition. Get service for it as soon as possible as a faulty ignition is NOT safe and can cause serious accidents if it chokes out on the freeway or in heavy traffic.

Key Is Stuck – is your ignition key stuck and the car won’t start? Before you call for a mechanic or a locksmith, check to see if your steering wheel is just locked! Try jiggling the wheel back and forth while gently trying to remove the key or start the car. Notice we said “gently” – the last thing you need now is a broken off key in addition to your ignition problems.

Be Extra Careful!

All of these automotive components deal in one way or another with electricity, so please take extra care when working with wires, battery charges, starter switches and metal tools. If you have experience in dealing with automotive mechanics, you are probably fine, but if not; be sure to call someone who does like an automotive locksmith in Wake Forest.

Get Qualified Help

This doesn’t mean your 13 year old cousin that is trying to learn auto mechanics. When you’re sick; you call a doctor. When the plumbing goes out; you call a plumber. There’s NO reason to deviate from using a professional now! If you think auto repair is expensive, well, it CAN be! Just because you turn to the experts doesn’t mean that you have to pay huge repair bills!

Auto repair shops and car dealer service departments are known to be expensive and often, they “just so happen” to find a damaged wire or crack in the engine (wink, wink). Compound this with the fact that since your ignition switch is out, your car doesn’t run; and these guys don’t make house calls! That translates into tow fees for you in addition to your repair charges.

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