Common questions

When do you put the key in the Ignition do you feel resistance?

When do you put the key in the Ignition do you feel resistance?

When you insert the key into your ignition and press the key forward, you should feel some resistance to the key; especially when you’re in “start mode”. If you’re able to go directly to the “start mode” without feeling some sort of resistance; it’s a good indicator that a problem with the steering column actuator exists.

What are the symptoms of a bad steering column actuator?

Common signs include difficulty starting the car, being able to take the key out of the ignition anytime, and an overheating ignition switch. How does the steering column actuator work?

Can a bad ignition switch cause a broken steering column?

A bad ignition switch or broken steering column actuator will also generate heat due to overheating in the electrical current. If you notice that your key and ignition switch is warm to the touch, this is also a potentially dangerous situation that should be examined by a professional mechanic.

Why is the ignition switch on my Jeep not working?

Sometimes Jeeps won’t start but all the electronics work. It might be a faulty ignition switch keeping your Jeep from starting. This video is a how-to for replacing the Start Ignition Switch Actuator Pin; a known weakness in our beloved Jeeps. If you aren’t sure why your Jeep won’t start, this probably IS NOT your issue because it is rare.

When you insert the key into your ignition and press the key forward, you should feel some resistance to the key; especially when you’re in “start mode”. If you’re able to go directly to the “start mode” without feeling some sort of resistance; it’s a good indicator that a problem with the steering column actuator exists.

What to do if your steering column actuator is failing?

Anytime you recognize any of the above warning symptoms of a bad or failing steering column actuator, don’t hesitate or delay; contact a local ASE certified mechanic to inspect and repair this issue before driving the vehicle. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Starting And Charging Inspection.

What should I do if my starter switch is not working?

If your solenoid is a four wire solenoid, check both small wire terminals as one is ground and the other is power from the ignition switch. *If your solenoid is a three wire solenoid, make sure the solenoid body is not corroded where it bolts to the chassis of the mower as this is your ground path back to the battery.

Sometimes Jeeps won’t start but all the electronics work. It might be a faulty ignition switch keeping your Jeep from starting. This video is a how-to for replacing the Start Ignition Switch Actuator Pin; a known weakness in our beloved Jeeps. If you aren’t sure why your Jeep won’t start, this probably IS NOT your issue because it is rare.

How do you set the steering box input shaft?

2. Rotate the steering box input shaft from lock to lock and set the box exactly half way between. For example, if the shaft rotates 3 full turns from lock to lock, the center will be at 1-1/2 turns from either locked position. 3.

Where does the ignition wire go in a car?

Ignition wire. The pink wire travels from the pink wire on the column, through the ballast resistor and out to the coil, or ignition system. This wire is hot in the run position and in the crank position. If the vehicle is equipped with an electronic ignition, the feed for this is still the pink wire.

Where to remove bolts from ignition lock assembly?

Once the bolts have been removed, you should be able to remove the steering column covers. This becomes easier if you unlock the steering wheel with the adjustable arm located underneath or to the left of the steering column, so you can move the steering wheel up and down to loosen the column covers.

Where is the release pin on an ignition switch?

The new or rebuilt switch should slide easily back into its hole on the steering column. Align the shape of the cylinder and the location of the release pin with the coinciding grooves in the ignition module.

What do you need to know about ignition lock assembly?

However, from time to time, the ignition lock assembly or small parts inside this device can complicate the situation. The ignition lock assembly is a tumbler and key mechanism that is used to trigger power supply to auxiliary components and engage the starter motor to begin the ignition process.

What’s the Accessory position on an ignition switch?

Insert the key and turn it to the “accessory” position. The ignition switch needs to be set to the accessory position before you can release it from the ignition module. The “accessory” position is before the starter is engaged, and would normally let you run the vehicle’s electronics without the engine running (when the battery is connected).

How to replace a steering column ignition tumbler?

Step 9: Use a dental tool to remove the locking pin from the ignition tumbler. On some models you may have to punch out the pin to the tumbler. Step 10: Pull out the ignition tumbler from the steering column. Reach in and pull out the rod from the steering column. Step 11: Remove the mounting screws under the column that hold on the actuator.

How to turn ignition switch lock barrel tumbler rod?

I used a pair of needle pliers to pull/push the rod in while twisting it as it didn’t come straight out. Then turn the Cam Rod so it’s in the same position as the old one was in when you first took it apart. This should prevent you from placing the rod in the 180 degree wrong position.

Where are the screws for the ignition switch?

Following the ignition housing to the backside you find the ignition switch held in by 2 screws that are difficult to access. As there is little room to see or get a screwdriver in there. You will have to push aside the air duct to get to them.

How do you remove the cylinder from an ignition switch?

Now remove the key cylinder by inserting the key, turn to ON (or somewhere between ON and ACC) position and push a small screwdriver or a small punch into the hole underneath the housing to release the key cylinder. Once the release button is pushed, the cylinder pulls right out.

Step 9: Use a dental tool to remove the locking pin from the ignition tumbler. On some models you may have to punch out the pin to the tumbler. Step 10: Pull out the ignition tumbler from the steering column. Reach in and pull out the rod from the steering column. Step 11: Remove the mounting screws under the column that hold on the actuator.

When to know if your steering column actuator needs to be replaced?

However, if you turn your key and nothing happens, it’s a solid indication that an issue with your steering column actuator exists. If you attempt to turn the key and it take a few times for the starter to activate, this is also a sign that the actuator is starting to wear out and needs to be replaced. 2.

What causes the ignition switch to heat up?

4. Overheating ignition switch A bad ignition switch or broken steering column actuator will also generate heat due to overheating in the electrical current. If you notice that your key and ignition switch is warm to the touch, this is also a potentially dangerous situation that should be examined by a professional mechanic. 5.

When do you Know Your steering column actuator is broken?

At no time should your key be able to move. If you are able to remove your key from the ignition while the key is engaged in the start or accessory position, this means that the steering column actuator is broken.

A bad ignition switch or broken steering column actuator will also generate heat due to overheating in the electrical current. If you notice that your key and ignition switch is warm to the touch, this is also a potentially dangerous situation that should be examined by a professional mechanic.

4. Overheating ignition switch A bad ignition switch or broken steering column actuator will also generate heat due to overheating in the electrical current. If you notice that your key and ignition switch is warm to the touch, this is also a potentially dangerous situation that should be examined by a professional mechanic. 5.

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Ruth Doyle