subject: What Is Ignition Switch? Why It Is Necessary For An Automobile? [print this page] The ignition switch is one of the important parts of any vehicle and it serves many functions. First thing comes first; the ignition switch is used to start the car. It provides a connection between the car battery and the starter key. Secondly, it prevents accessories of a car to go down the batteries if the car remains inactive for long time. The ignition switch is mainly comprised of two parts, the lock cylinder and the electric key and it is better to get information about this system in a car before purchasing, since the design is varied from one vehicle to the other. Usually there are four positions in an ignition switch which are on, off, accessories and start. The start option allows the keys to start the car, whereas in off mode, a key can be withdrawn from the ignition. The option of accessories allows using different accessories like DVD, radio, etc.
The main function of the ignition switch is to control the flow and amount of electricity inside the engine and it also works to prevent the drainage of chemical battery. A powerful electrical activity is generated due to its connection with the battery and the starter, and via this surge, the engine starts spontaneously. It is however; necessary to keep active the ignition switch and to inspect it on regular basis; otherwise it may go out of order and would create a lot of problems for the car and the battery. In order to check the effectiveness of the switch, a person should have some instruments like a voltmeter, ohmmeter, insulated pliers and the rubber gloves. If there is any problem going on in the car then it is required to check the switch and in order to do that the first thing required is to check the electric flow inside the battery. The voltmeter can be used for this purpose effectively and if the reading on voltmeter is found less then 12 Volts, then the battery should be replaced. However; if the battery is functioning well and the car is not going to start, then perhaps there could be the problem in the ignition switch.
The changing of the ignition switch is easy and could be done with in half an hour, however; it is better not to go for this adventure unless experienced. The better way is to seek the help of any mechanic who will do this job within 10-15 minutes. The spark tester scan and the ohmmeter can be used in order to inspect the affectivity of switch and they also inform about the presence of carbon particles. Some times the problem happens within the ignition coil only and the rest of the device does not have any problem. In such cases, only the removal of ignition coil is required.
by: Sameen Shaukat
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