What Is An Ignition Switch

How to define ignition switch? The ignition switch is a switch in the motor vehicle's control system that activates the car's primary electrical system, as well as accessory systems such as the radio, power windows, etc. The ignition switch on an internal combustion engine vehicle activates the starter solenoid and ignition system components, including the engine controller and ignition coil, and is often incorporated into the starter motor's starter.

Early ignition switches required a specific key to be inserted to unlock. Some cars today still have this type of mechanical switch, and some incorporate immobilizers that activate the switch only when a transponder in the key is detected. Some new cars use a keyless system, which uses a button instead of a key switch, and still requires a transponder signal to start.

Sometimes the ignition switch can also be cracked, for example, the wiring of the ignition switch is removed, and it is directly short-circuited, which is called short-circuit start.

What Are The Four Gears of The Car Ignition Switch

The gears of the ignition switch of the car are as follows:

START: The starter motor is energized to start the engine

ON: The power system of all car owners is powered on and performs a self-check. After the engine is successfully started, it will return to this gear

ACC: Only accessories such as car audio are powered on

LOCK: The power system of the whole vehicle is cut off, and the steering wheel can be locked

Starting method: After the key is inserted into the ignition switch, stay in each gear for about 1 or 2 seconds. At this time, you can hear the sound of electrical equipment being powered on, and then enter the next gear. Some cars can directly enter the ON position and then wait for all aspects of the electrical appliances to fully start, about 6-7 seconds, and then turn the key to the START state to start the ignition directly.

START gear: starting gear, when the key is turned to this position, the starter circuit will be connected, and the engine will be driven to run and start. After the key is released, it will automatically return to the ON position. The START gear is the engine starting gear, and it will automatically return to the normal state after starting, which is the ON gear.

LOCK gear: lock gear, this position is the position where the key is inserted and pulled out. At this time, the circuit of the vehicle is completely closed except for the anti-theft system and the small lights inside the car, and the steering wheel is locked. After locking the car, the key will be in the LOCK state. At this time, the key door not only locks the direction but also cuts off the power of the whole car.

ACC gear: power-on gear for accessories, when the key is turned to this position, the circuit for accessories will be connected, and equipment such as radios will be available. The ACC state to turn on the power supply of some electrical equipment in the car, such as CD, air conditioners, and so on.

ON gear: When the gear is turned on when the key is turned to this position, the entire vehicle circuit will be connected, and the system will make necessary preparations and self-inspection work for starting the engine. The key will remain in this position when the vehicle is running normally. When driving normally, the key is in the ON state, and all the circuits of the car are in a working state at this time.

What Are The Symptoms of A Bad Ignition Switch

The gear we often say is the four gears mentioned above. Since the ignition switch controls the opening and closing of the ignition coil, if the ignition switch fails, the car will not be able to start normally. The most direct manifestation is that it will not ignite. The fire cannot be turned off, or the fire is turned off for unknown reasons, and even the circuit controlled by the key cannot be used normally. If the ignition switch is damaged and cannot be used, then you can consider replacing it with a new ignition switch. The cost of ignition switch replacement is acceptable.

The correct way to start is to slowly turn the key to allow the electrical accessories on the vehicle to enter the state one by one to relieve the pressure on the battery power supply. With a one-button start car, you can press it first to allow the vehicle to be powered on. Then press it again, and the light on the dashboard will light up, which is equivalent to the "ON" position, the equipment will start to check automatically, and the oil pump will build up the oil pressure, prepare for the ignition, and finally start the car.