My car’s ignition switch is not working properly
when I turn key in ignition switch I get nothing no dash lights no start nothing but when I use the remote starter the car will starter need help please
My car has 130000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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This usually happens because of low batteries, but shock can also cause the fob to lose its pairing. Most remotes can be reset, so check your car`s user manual for the resetting sequence. If resetting fails to solve the problem, the fob will need to be reprogrammed.
A dead battery in your key fob means it can`t broadcast the signal the ignition system is looking for. If your car or truck can`t detect the correct signal, then the ignition will remain locked, and you won`t be able to start your car with the fob in your pocket.
Reasons A Car Won`t Detect the Key Fob
Keyfob Battery – The battery inside your key fob is dead or too weak. Therefore, it can not send a strong signal to the keyless entry system. Key batteries will need to be replaced. Damaged Key – The key itself is damaged, which can happen when you drop the key or wash it.
Most vehicles will require a new key when replacing an ignition switch, as the old key has worn down and is incompatible with the new set. However, some cars may be able to use an existing key, depending on the condition and make of the key.
To work correctly, the ignition mechanism is powered by the battery. If the battery fails, the ignition will automatically get locked up. Then you won`t be able to pull the key out of the ignition. In this situation, the best thing to do is to wait for the battery to start itself or for a new battery to be fitted.
Possible quick fix to get you going: Use the physical key to open the car door. Try starting the car using the inductive backup system, which is possible in some vehicles. This is done by first closing the car doors and then pushing the fob directly against the start button and depressing it. This should start the car.
If your key fob isn`t working after replacing the batteries, you may need to reprogram it or check for loose buttons and broken battery terminals. If your remote key fob isn`t working and you`ve already replaced the battery, you may need to reprogram the key.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
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.
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.
Car ignition switch only recieving less then a volt from battery wire. Fuse, ground, battery are good. Manual Car 97 civic.
ANSWER : Hi there. The first thing I would inspect is the ignition relay; as usually this is the culprit of partial electrical delivery to the ignition cylinder. However, it is possible that an exposed wire inside the steering column or ignition lock cylinder could be causing this problem as well. It might save you a lot of trouble, stress and money to have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location and complete an electrical problems inspection to isolate the source of this problem and recommend the right repairs.
2004 mercury mountaineer a/c works. No heat fan switch only works on 4 car not overheating Smell antifreeze inside car but no leak
ANSWER : The blower resistor in the blower housing for the a/c blower most likely has gone bad and open circuit in resistor. Replace the blower resistor. The smell of coolant in the dash vents may be from a leak in the heater core. It may still be a small leak that may not show up in a leak test or even cause the coolant to get very low except over a long period of time. Have the cooling system pressure tested and a mechanic like one from YourMechanic can determine if heater core is leaking and replace the blower resistor for you.
Just replaced head gasket, changed crack sensor new plugs. The check engine light is on, but dim, the only other light that the dash is a normal battery indicator. The fuel pump is not running when switch is turned on, the power windows don’t work, it turns over but not firing. It’s like only one part of the system is working. Also the heater fans work even if the switch is off.
ANSWER : I would first look at the diagnostic trouble codes. Those codes are available because the check engine light is on. If the fuel pump is not running (momentarily) at key on, that fault alone will prevent the car from starting as there will be no fuel pressure. Pump output and pressure can be directly tested and you can also check for electrical power to the pump. To find out why the engine will not run, the recommended diagnostic is a no start diagnostic. If you request that service, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
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.
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.
When the ignition switch is left on ACC for a while, the car won’t start
ANSWER : This is not an uncommon issue. Listening to the radio for 25 minutes with the car off is not a problem normally. But in this case, the most likely cause of this is either the ignition switch or the battery failing. A qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able to diagnose your starting issue and perform any repairs required.
