What happens when the ignition switch is turned on?

When the switch is turned on, the current passes through the ignition coil. The rotor rotates inside the distributor as governed by the ignition timing. There is an air gap between the voltage jumps which result in high tension cables transferring high voltage from the distributor to the spark plugs.

How do I get my ignition switch back from the LOCK?

Firmly turn the steering wheel to the left or right as you turn the ignition switch. You can insert or remove the built-in key only in this position. To turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position, the shift lever must be in Park, and you must push the knob or built-in key in slightly.

How do you bypass a tractor ignition switch?

In bypass starting, you touch a wrench or a screwdriver to the terminals of the starter motor, to the solenoid of a tractor, or to other equipment. This bypasses all tractor-neutral starting switches. Sparks fly and electricity snaps as the circuit is completed, the starter engages and the engine starts.

What would cause a key not to turn in the ignition?

Common reasons the ignition key won’t turn include attempting to use a key for a different vehicle, or a locked steering wheel. You can unlock the steering wheel by turning the steering wheel from side to side while simultaneously turning the ignition key on.

Why is my key not turning in the ignition?

The most common reason that a car key will not turn is that the steering wheel has locked. Pull the steering wheel in the direction that has give, and hold it there. Turn the key toward the accessory position while keeping the steering wheel turned. If nothing happens, rock the steering wheel as you turn the key.

What to do when key won’t turn in ignition?

The steering wheel can become stuck in position which in turn locks the ignition. Wiggle the steering wheel back and forth while gently turning the key to see if the key now turns. If this work, you don’t have an ignition or key problem at all, the steering wheel had just locked it up.

What happens if there is no ignition switch?

Without the key, the switch won’t move to the start or run positions, and will lock the steering wheel and gear selector. Of course, many cars made in the last 10 years or so have a push button instead of an ignition key and switch. With this design, the key fob sends a signal to the car’s computer saying it’s OK to start the vehicle.

What happens if the ignition lock cylinder breaks?

The ignition lock cylinder is connected to an electronic ignition switch, they work power on and start the vehicle. If the ignition lock cylinder wear out or breaks, it may prevent the vehicle from starting when the key is inserted and turned.

How does the ignition switch work on a car?

How the ignition switch works. Typically, the ignition switch has four positions: Lock/off: Moving the ignition switch to this position cuts power to all circuits that receive it from the ignition switch and mechanically locks the steering wheel. It also locks the transmission gear selector on cars equipped with an automatic transmission.

Why is the ignition switch on my car not turning?

The shaft between the switch and key lock or the arm inside the switch are the ones that usually break. This happens when the driver uses too much force on the key when trying to start the engine. The pins inside the ignition lock may also break with time, preventing the key from turning.

What causes a car key to get stuck in the ignition?

To release the steering wheel lock, you need to turn the steering wheel and turn the ignition key at the same time. If the dirt and debris get their way inside the ignition switch, they can cause the key to stuck and not turning. In this case, the lock gets jammed and can’t release the steering wheel.

The ignition lock cylinder is connected to an electronic ignition switch, they work power on and start the vehicle. If the ignition lock cylinder wear out or breaks, it may prevent the vehicle from starting when the key is inserted and turned.

What to do if your ignition switch is stuck?

Step 1 – All vehicles have a steering wheel lockout safety device that will not allow the steering wheel to turn when the key is in the “OFF” position. Step 2 – Vehicles equipped with power steering utilize a pump which maintains pressure while the engine is running.