Forgive us for stating the obvious, but you cannot start your automobile if there is something wrong with the ignition system. Parts that make up the ignition system include the distributor cap, ignition coil, and spark plugs. If you cannot get your car started, it could be because there’s a problem in the ignition system rather than a dead battery. Cergizan’s Auto and Truck Repair maintains and repairs vehicle ignition systems. Here are four signs you’ve got trouble brewing in your car’s ignition.
1. Your Vehicle Won’t Start
Logically, people blame the battery right away if they cannot get their cars started, but this is only one reason why your vehicle refuses to fire up. Other problems that prevent your automobile from starting include ignition system problems, such as a bad distributor cap or ignition coil. If the spark plugs are worn, they, too, will make it difficult to start your car because they won’t be able to generate sparks.
2. Your Vehicle Keeps Stalling
The spark plugs can also make your automobile stall if the stalling problem lies in the ignition system. If your vehicle stalls while it’s idling, the issue more likely lies in the fuel system or a problem with the air/fuel mixture. If your car, crossover, SUV, or truck stalls while you’re driving, it’s probably an ignition system problem. A faulty distributor cap will make your vehicle stall while you’re in motion.
3. Engine Performance Issues
If you’ve got parts going bad in the ignition system, such as the spark plugs or plug wires, you might be able to get your car started and it won’t stall as discussed above, but you will notice engine performance issues. Your engine will sputter and misfire, and you may also see a significant decrease in your automobile’s gas mileage and power loss when you accelerate. The ignition coil can cause this, too.
4. Your Ignition Key Won’t Turn
If you drive an older car that has seen a ton of mileage, your ignition can wear down to the point that you won’t be able to turn the key inside of the keyhole to start your vehicle. Even if you’ve released the ignition lock, you cannot get the key to turn. Don’t force it; you could break the key off inside the keyhole. Chances are the ignition is so worn it can’t align with the keyhole and will need to be replaced.
Newer cars with button ignition can also fail, and Cergizan’s Auto and Truck Repair in Chesterton, IN, can help, so give us a call today.