Imagine this: you’re running late for work, so you grab your keys and jump into the driver’s seat. Before you even finish buckling the seatbelt, you jam the key into the ignition, turn it over, and… nothing happens. The diagnosis? A failed ignition switch. Save yourself from hefty repair bills on a car that won’t start by scheduling an ignition system inspection with Joe’s Service Department today.
Signs of a Failing Ignition System
Ignition systems are taken for granted until they fail. For most cars produced after 1990, an ignition system inspection is recommended every 100,000 miles. Older cars, however, may require inspections as frequently as every 5,000-10,000 miles. No matter the age of the car, though, problems can arise at any time. If you experience any of the following issues, head into Joe’s right away.
1. Car Won’t Start
If the engine sputters but won’t turn over, there’s a good chance the ignition system is failing. Oftentimes, this occurs because the electrical circuit in the ignition is corroded.
2. Key Won’t Turn
Another common problem is even more frustrating than the first: the key won’t even turn in the ignition! This problem occurs most commonly in older cars with high mileage. Over time, the inside of the ignition wears down. At some point, the damage is so great that the key cannot align with the keyhole and will not turn over anymore.
3. Stalling Out
Stalling out is both frightening and dangerous. While cars can stall for a variety of reasons, a failing ignition system will usually cause the car to stall out while it is in motion.
4. Flickering Dashboard Lights
Similarly, if the ignition is failing, you may notice the dashboard lights flickering while you drive. This is not a common problem, but it is a telltale sign of ignition failure.
5. Nothing Happens
If nothing happens when you turn the key in the ignition, there could be several problems. Oftentimes, this scenario is indicative of a dead battery. If, however, the battery is charged and the engine still won’t respond, the ignition system is likely the problem.
Schedule Service
At the first sign of ignition trouble, contact Joe’s Service Department in Indianapolis at (317) 405-8456. We also provide a wide array of auto repairs and maintenance. No matter how big or small the problem, we promise to provide trustworthy and reliable service every time.
