Ignition off switch
When I turn off my truck radio and wipers don't turn off When I open passenger door it turn off
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there – many newer vehicles – you don’t indicate what year, make and model you have – provide this functionality as a "feature". The thinking is that if you haven’t opened the door yet, the driver is still in the vehicle, and may still want to listen to the radio, etc. while sitting there. Once the door opens, however, these accessories should be turned off – the driver is leaving the vehicle. If you believe this behavior is not something your vehicle should exhibit, I would recommend an electrical inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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Generally speaking, in the “OFF” position, the ignition switch doesn`t connect anything; in the “ACC” position, the radio or fan may be energized; in the “RUN” position, the engine control module is energized; and finally, in the “START” position, the starter relay is engaged.
The ignition switch performs a primary function in that it connects the circuit that provides voltage to your starter motor, allowing the engine to crank over and the engine to eventually start. In older vehicles it`s part of the key barrel, and you activate the ignition switch by turning the key.
The ignition switch is a more complex electrical component that has to “read” anti-theft coding in the key before it will activate electrical systems in the vehicle so the vehicle can start or allow an automatic transmission to be shifted out of Park.
In modern cars with electronic fuel injectors, the engine computer will stop sending the signals to the injectors to put fuel into the combustion chamber. It will also stop sending signals to the spark plugs to make spark. It probably also will turn off the fuel pump. The engine will stop.
Here`s an overview of each ignition position: Lock: This is the off position. No accessories work, and you can take the key out of the ignition. The steering wheel can also be locked.
Causes of Battery Discharge
This draw will occur with the ignition in the OFF position, and the courtesy, dome, storage compartments and engine compartments lights off. This continuous draw is due to various electronic features or accessories that require electrical current with the ignition off to function properly.
When the ignition key is turned on, a low voltage current from the battery flows through the primary windings of the ignition coil, through the breaker points and back to the battery. This current flow causes a magnetic field to form around the coil.
The ignition lock cylinder and ignition switch are not the same thing. The lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into; the switch is the electrical portion that sends power to the vehicle. On many cars, these are two separate components that can be repaired individually.
Currently, we recognize four types of ignition systems used in most cars and trucks: conventional breaker-point ignitions, high energy (electronic) ignitions, distributor-less (waste spark) ignition and coil-on-plug ignitions.
A gasoline-powered vehicle requires a spark plug to ignite its fuel. Ignition is the process of providing the energy that is required to initiate a combustion process.
Ignition switch
The switch has 5 positions, which are: OFF, R, L, BOTH, START. R and L stand for right and left, if that needed to be clarified.
The battery wire is a thick wire that connects the ignition switch to the positive terminal of the vehicle`s battery.
The ignition Off Draw (IOD) fuse is used to prevent battery discharge during shipping or long-term storage of the vehicle. The IOD fuse is located in the Total Integrated Power Module (TIPM). If the fuse is not completely inserted, partial contact of the fuse terminals could occur.
The aircraft ignition system produces a spark to burn-up the fuel/air mixture in the cylinder. These systems are used to produces a spark and deliver it through an electrode of the spark plug in the aircraft engine cylinder. This enables the proper consumption of the fuel/air mixture inside the combustion chamber.
The ignition system`s job is to ignite the air-fuel mixture in a gasoline engine. In addition to the spark plugs that spark in the combustion chambers, the ignition system consists of an ignition coil, which converts battery voltage to higher voltage, and the spark plug wires that join these components.
The ignition switch has four positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY (I), ON (II), and START (III). Use this position only to start the engine. The switch returns to the ON (II) position when you let go of the ignition switch. To use the built-in key, you have to remove the cover (see page ).
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I put a new ignition switch in my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica but it still wont start, how do I program the ignition switch?
ANSWER : Hello. If your vehicle is not cranking, then I would first verify that the starter and electrical system are functioning correctly. Aside from a bad ignition switch, a few common causes for a no crank condition are a faulty starter, starter solenoid, starter relay, or bad wiring. If you replaced the switch, and wish to program the new keys the procedure is as follows:
Note: You must have two valid keys to add a new key to the system.
Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the
ON/RUN position for at least three seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds.
Then, Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first key.
Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position within 15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the second key.
Insert the new key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position within 60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound. In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing. To indicate that programming is complete, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on again for seconds and then turn off.
The new key should now be programmed. The Remote Keyless Entry transmitter will also be programmed during this procedure. Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you are still having problems with this after you’ve replaced the key, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the cranking issue.
I put a new ignition switch in my 2004 chrystlwr pacifica but it still wont start, how do i program rhe ignition switch?
ANSWER : Hello.
If your vehicle is not cranking, but the lights and accessories come on then it may be possible that the issue is rooted elsewhere. I would verify that the starting and electrical system are in good order. A no crank condition can be caused by a faulty battery, starter, starter solenoid, relay, or any of the wiring associated with these components. I would start with checking the battery and starter, and go from there. If you wish to program your new switch and key, the procedure is as follows:
Note: You must have two valid keys to add a new key to the system.
Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position for at least three seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first key.
Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position within 15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In addition, the vehicle security light will begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch to the lock position and remove the second key.
Insert the new key into the ignition switch. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. Within 60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound. In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing. To indicate that programming is complete, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on again for seconds and then turn off.
The new key is now programmed. The Remote Keyless Entry transmitter will also be programmed during this procedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys.
If you need some assistance with this, consider YourMechanic, as one of our certified technicians can diagnose the starting issue firsthand and perform this procedure as necessary.
I changed ignition starter switch, it cranked then die again. Fuel pump is not coming on. Could it be the ignition switch itself?
ANSWER : The ignition switch turn on circuits to supply power to the vehicle, but does not control the fuel pump itself. If your vehicle is equipped with a fuel filter, it can clog and cause the fuel pump to work harder eventually burning it out. Have a technician check for supply voltage at the fuel pump and check fuel pressure. If there is power going to the pump and no fuel pressure, replace the fuel pump. Consider hiring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can come out and take a closer look at your stalling concerns and offer a more personal diagnosis.
Got a new ignition switch, car starts now but believe it’s faulty. Can a bad ignition switch damage the catalytic converter?
ANSWER : Hi There,
The catalytic converter is entirely unrelated to the ignition switch and neither of these should impact the other. The catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When the catalytic converter is clogged, this causes these gases to be backed up into the exhaust system not allowing the engine to breathe properly. When this happens, the engine is forced to work much harder to expel these gases. This often results in the engine bogging down, hesitating, shaking and causing very poor fuel economy. This should also cause a check engine light to come on as the O2 sensors should be reading the incorrect amounts of oxygen in the exhaust gases if this is your problem. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and replace your catalytic converter.
If I replace the ignition switch, can I use my existing BMW Keys with remote and valet key?
ANSWER : Yes, you can. The ignition switch is separate from the EWS system, so replacing the switch will still allow you to use the current keys you already have. Only if you have to replace a faulty key or EWS module will you have to possibly order all new keys.
One other possibility is there is an EWS issue where the key is not being properly identified not allowing the starting sequence. This would mean ordering an EWS module or keys from the dealer. Try out all keys you have to see if any will commence in the starting sequence. If none of the keys will start the vehicle, faults should be checked to ensure there are no EWS key identification faults. If no faults are present, then most likely the ignition switch is faulty. If there are key identification faults, then it’s either a key, module, or receiver that is the issue. You may want to consult with a mechanic who has the equipment to read out the Powertrain and EWS fault memories before replacing parts.
How to replace an ignition cylinder? do I also have to replace ignition switch? cause key has a chip that’s specific my dodge.
ANSWER : In some cases i have seen the outer ignition housing okay and just the key lock cylinder damaged. In others they damage the housing and ignition lock cylinder. In either case you cannot use your key; it will be a problem since the chip is programmed to your vehicle and will require programming. You may have to replace the entire housing on the column and have the new ignition key reprogrammed to start the car.
Before you purchase any parts, have it inspected to see the damaged parts so you get what is needed. You will need a qualified mechanic to install parts and program the key with a factory scanner. This may mean the dealer will have to do the programming of the new key or a specialized locksmith.
What is the second switch called on my headlight switch?
ANSWER : Hi there. The second switch on that turn signal indicator is the parking lights. However, I understand what you’re thinking about doing and would highly recommend purchasing a detailed wiring schematic for your Mitsubishi or a repair and service manual first. Many people attempt to do this and end up calling a mechanic to rewire their accessory system due to an electrical fault or the wrong wires hooked up. Proceed with caution or have a local professional mechanic or car audio / alarm company provide you with the detailed instructions to complete this project.
No power from the ignition switch to the starter unless I hot wire the starter.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the wiring from the starter solenoid to the ignition switch and see if there is a break in the wiring. Check for continuity from the solenoid to the ignition switch and see if the meter reads 0.5 ohms or less. If the meter reads OL, then there is a break in the wire and the wire would need fixed or replaced. If the wire is good, then the ignition switch would need to be replaced. If you need further assistance with your not start situation, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
