How to Start a Car With a Bad Ignition Switch?

Last Updated on December, 2024

Are you struggling to start your car because of a bad ignition system? 

Maintaining your car is essential, especially for older models with conventional keys that might suffer from a bad ignition switch. This problem can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry and your car won’t start. 

The ignition switch is crucial for connecting the battery to the starter motor, enabling the engine to turn on. When it fails, starting the vehicle becomes challenging. 

Lucky for you, we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll break down the most effective methods to start a car with a bad ignition switch, the signs of a faulty ignition system, and so much more! 

Whether stranded or waiting for the electrical parts or funds to replace the switch, understanding these techniques can help you get your car running again despite your ignition switch problems. 

Let’s dive in!

Quick Summary

• Three techniques to start a car with a faulty ignition switch include the drill and screwdriver method, hotwiring, and jumpstarting.

• Common indicators of a bad ignition switch include the car not starting, difficulty turning the key, stalling, no sound from the starter motor, a stuck steering wheel, and flickering dashboard lights.

• While these methods offer temporary fixes, it’s important to seek professional assistance for proper ignition switch repair to prevent further issues.

How to Start a Car With a Bad Ignition Switch?

During emergencies, there are ways you can use to bypass a faulty ignition switch. We’ll be breaking down three of the most effective ways you can go about starting a car. 

1. The drill and screwdriver method. 
2. Hotwiring your car. 
3. Jumpstarting your car. 

Let’s take a closer look at these methods. 

The Drill and Screwdriver Method

Starting a vehicle can be relatively straightforward using a screwdriver. 

Insert a flathead screwdriver into the ignition keyhole and turn it as you would turn a car key to start the vehicle. Check if the screwdriver moves smoothly and if the engine starts.

You can also use the drilling technique, which involves drilling a hole into the keyhole, sized to fit the key. Drilling removes the locking pins, and once you reach the correct depth, you can use a screwdriver to turn the ignition switch and start the car. 

This technique is often effective with older models but may not work on newer, modern cars. In that case, you’ll have to look into the other two methods. 

Hotwiring Your Car

Hotwiring is a method used to start a car with a bad ignition switch or when the key is lost or damaged. 

This technique is generally effective on older vehicles, but not so much on newer ones. Modern cars have advanced computerised locking systems that are accessible by smart cards or mobile apps. These systems deactivate various parts of the car, making hotwiring difficult. 

Determining if your car can be hotwired is crucial, as attempting this on a modern vehicle might cause more harm than good.

Additionally, it should only be done on a car you own or have permission to access. Unauthorised hotwiring can lead to legal issues, including fines and imprisonment. 

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, here’s how to hotwire a car: 

Step 1: Remove the Screws

Begin by using a screwdriver to take out the screws on the steering column cover. These screws are typically located on either side of the steering column. Once removed, you can take off the access panels, revealing the ignition wiring system. 

Step 2: Identify the Wires

With the ignition system exposed, you’ll notice various wire combinations, each with different colours. These wires control different functions, like windshield wipers, lights, and the ignition system. 

Focus on the bundle the ignition switch connects to. Identify the wire linked to the battery and the one connected to the ignition switch.

The battery wire is often red, but this isn’t always true. Refer to your car’s manual or look up your vehicle model online on the manufacturer’s website to ensure accuracy. 

Step 3: Twist the Wires Together

After identifying the battery and ignition switch wires, strip a small section of insulation from each end. 

Carefully twist the exposed wires together using your hands or pliers if necessary. This should activate the engine lights, ignition switch, and radio if done correctly. 

Step 4: Locate the Motor Wire

Next, find the motor wire and strip a small section of insulation from its end. Gently touch the end of the motor wire to the ends of the twisted battery, starter wire, and ignition switch wires. There’s no need to twist these wires together; making contact should start the engine. 

Step 5: Cover the Wires

Secure the twisted wire ends with electrical tape. This step is crucial for keeping the engine running and preventing the wires from coming into contact with people or metal objects, ensuring safety while hotwiring a car. 

This should allow you to drive the vehicle, but be aware that many steering wheels have lock features. Even after hotwiring, you may only be able to drive in a straight line. 

Jumpstarting Your Car

You can start a car with a bad ignition switch using jumper cables by following these steps. 

1. Open the car hood and find the battery and the ignition coil. 
2. Connect a jumper cable from the battery’s positive terminal to the ignition coil’s positive terminal. 
3. Locate the starter solenoid and connect it to the battery’s positive terminal. 
4. Disconnect the ignition switch wiring from the starter solenoid. 
5. Use a screwdriver to short the positive side of the solenoid to the point where the ignition wires connect. 

These steps allow you to bypass your ignition problem and start your car. 

Signs of a Faulty Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is where you insert the car key, allowing current to flow through the vehicle’s system. When you turn the key, electricity reaches the starter, which gets your vehicle going.

However, like other car components, the ignition system can suffer from wear and tear, leading to problems that may prevent the car from starting. Fortunately, certain signs can help you identify issues with the ignition switch early on. 

Recognising these signs lets you repair your car promptly and avoid further damage. Some common indicators of a faulty ignition system include: 

• The Vehicle Won’t Start: The most evident sign of a faulty ignition switch is the car not starting. If you turn the key in the ignition and the engine cranks but the car remains in the start position, it could be due to worn-out internal ignition components. 
• Difficulty Turning The Car Key: While modern vehicles often use keyless entry, cars with traditional keys may have this issue. In such cases, you might still be able to start the car, but the difficulty turning the key suggests significant damage that needs prompt attention. If the key gets stuck, there are methods you can use to safely remove it from the ignition. 
• Stalling Vehicle Or Shutting Off: If your car stalls or suddenly turns off while driving, this could be a sign of a bad ignition system. This usually occurs when the key is in the ‘on’ position, indicating an issue with maintaining the electrical connection, faulty spark plugs, or no injector pulse. 
• No Sound From The Starter Motor: if you don’t hear the usual click sound when turning the key in the ignition, it is a clear sign of a bad switch. 
• Stuck Steering Wheel: The ignition switch includes a mechanical lock within the steering wheel to secure the vehicle when parked. If you have difficulty turning the steering wheel, it’s advisable to have your vehicle inspected. 
• Issues With Vehicle Accessories: Faulty vehicle accessories, such as the radio or wipers, can indicate a disrupted electrical supply from the ignition. Although there are other causes for this, it’s best to have the vehicle checked to determine the root cause. 
• Flickering Dashboard Lights: Warning lights on the dashboard can signal various issues, like a bad battery or the need for an oil change. However, if you notice flickering lights, it could be due to an ignition switch failure. 

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

You don’t need advanced mechanical skills to diagnose ignition switch issues, but ensure you have a jumper wire. Then, follow these steps to troubleshoot: 

• Examine the key for wear or check if it can be removed from the cylinder when turned on. Then, try starting the car with a spare key. 
• With your foot on the brake, shift from Neutral back to Park, ensuring the neutral safety switch isn’t activated. If the car doesn’t respond to the transmission in Park, it won’t start. 
• Replace the starter relay and test again. 
• Use a probe to check for power in the ignition switch. Refer to a wiring diagram for the correct points to test.
• Wiggle the key in the ignition while trying to start the car. A faulty ignition switch may make a temporary connection. 

Having the right tools is crucial. Ensure you have a multimeter, a jumper wire harness, and a test light for diagnosis. 

When to Seek Professional Help?

While DIY solutions can be helpful, there are times when professional assistance is needed. The process of bypassing a bad ignition switch can be intricate and involve complex electrical components that require the skills of a trained technician. 

Moreover, these methods are more suited for immediate, temporary fixes, so it’s best to take your vehicle to a service station where professionals are better equipped for the job. 

Useful guides:

• Why Won’t My Key Unlock My Car Door?
• What are the Steps to Take if You Lose Your Car Key Fob?

FAQs

Conclusion

Now that you know how to bypass a bad ignition switch, you should be able to get your car up and running again.

However, keep in mind that these are temporary fixes. It is best to take your car to a professional for proper ignition repair.