
Ignition Switch Replacement Cost
- Labor costs are estimated between $80 and $100 while parts are priced at $104.
- This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
- This range is an average across all vehicles on the road. ...
How much does it cost to repair an ignition switch?
Saturn Vue Ignition Switch Replacement Cost
- Labor costs are estimated between $152 and $191 while parts are priced between $81 and $102.
- This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
- This range is based on the number and age of Saturn Vue's on the road. ...
How much to replace the ignition switch?
What are the signs of a bad ignition switch?
- Your Car Won’t Start. One of the most generic symptoms of ignition trouble is a vehicle that won't start. ...
- Key Will Not Turn. Another symptom of a bad ignition switch, is the obvious issue- the key that will not turn in the ignition.
- Vehicle Stalling. Another symptom of a bad ignition switch is your car stalling. ...
- Flickering lights from your dashboard. ...
How much should it cost to replace Ignition?
The price of this part varies by manufacturer, but purchasing it through the manufacturer, rather than a repair service company, can reduce the cost of the repair. An ignitor typically costs between $30 and $50. The labor costs involved to replace the ignitor will vary by area but generally start at $75.
How do you replace ignition switch?
Part 3 of 3: Replacing your ignition switch
- Memory saver
- Ratchet w/sockets
- Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)

What are the symptoms of a bad ignition switch?
5 Telltale Signs of Ignition Switch ProblemsYour car stalls while driving. One of the first signs is a vehicle that suddenly stalls while the engine is operating. ... Car starts and then suddenly stalls. ... The engine doesn't start. ... Issues powering on the accessories. ... Issues turning or removing the key.
How much does it cost to fix a key ignition?
The average cost for ignition switch replacement is between $179 and $216. Labor costs are estimated between $77 and $97 while parts are priced between $102 and $119. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
How do you fix an ignition switch?
1:052:52How to Replace Ignition Switch in Your Car - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen you turn the steering wheel. So you can access the screws that hold the cover in place. AndMoreThen you turn the steering wheel. So you can access the screws that hold the cover in place. And once you get those screws out of the way you just pry on the side here where the slit is time snap it.
Can you replace an ignition switch yourself?
Once you've been able to identify the ignition switch as the source of your trouble, replacing it is often a fairly straightforward process that requires only common hand tools. You should consult an application specific repair manual before starting this project on your own.
Do you need a new key when replacing ignition switch?
Does a new ignition switch require a new key? Yes. A new ignition will come with a set of new keys, and they'll have to be programmed to work with your car. You'll need to retain your existing key to open the doors if you aren't replacing all the locks along with the ignition cylinder.
How long does it take to replace ignition switch?
Usually, an ignition switch replacement will only take about 20 minutes. However, it could take much longer depending on your car's make and model and the complexity of the ignition covers. The best way to know for sure how long your service will take is to talk to the mechanic directly.
What causes ignition switch failure?
Worn ignition switch contacts, temperature problems, or broken springs can all cause the ignition switch to fail, preventing you from starting your car. On the road, poor ignition switch contacts could shut the engine off while driving, which could be dangerous.
How do you start a car with a broken ignition?
Open the hood of your car and locate the ignition coil and the battery. Then using a jumper cable, connect the positive terminal of the battery to the positive side of the coil. This will give power to the dashboard which is needed to start the engine.
How do you tell if it's your starter or ignition switch?
Test the Starter It is under the hood, usually on the passenger side at the bottom of the motor next to the transmission. The ignition switch is a set of electrical contacts that activates the starter and usually is located on the steering column.
What is the difference between an ignition switch and ignition cylinder?
The ignition lock cylinder and ignition switch are not the same thing. The lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into; the switch is the electrical portion that sends power to the vehicle. On many cars, these are two separate components that can be repaired individually.
Can ignition switch cause car not start?
An engine that refuses to start can be another sign of a bad ignition switch. The ignition switch sends power to the the starter motor, engine controls, and ignition controls. These systems may not receive the power they need to start up if the ignition switch isn't working properly.
Is there a fuse for ignition switch?
The ignition relay is often located in the fuse box under the hood. It can also be located in a fuse box under the dashboard inside of the car. The ignition relay's exact location may differ from vehicle to vehicle depending on the design of the vehicle and the company that manufactured it.
How much does it cost to fix an ignition lock cylinder?
The average cost to replace an ignition lock cylinder is $237 for parts and labor. This estimate is an average across all regions and vehicle types. Labor ranges from $45 per hour on the low end to $90 per hour on the high end depending on the region.
How long does it take to replace a ignition lock cylinder?
The replacement of the igniter cylinder will take about 20 minutes. The exact make and model of the car will affect the time frame.
What is wrong when you turn the key and nothing happens?
If nothing happens when you turn the ignition key to the "Start" position, it means that the starter motor doesn't turn over the engine. Most commonly this could be caused by a dead battery; read above How to check the battery.
Why wont my car let me turn the key?
0:051:38Steering wheel & ignition key won't turn? EASILY solved in seconds!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut it still won't turn. While this probably means that the steering column lock has been engaged.MoreBut it still won't turn. While this probably means that the steering column lock has been engaged. And you won't get to turn the steering wheel. It's an anti-theft device.
How does a battery work in an ignition switch?
The battery feeds power to ignition switch , so it is important for the ignition system that the battery is in good condition. Don't put too much weight on your key ring because this can damage the key and the tumbler part of the ignition switch. If there is no power inside the car (none of the electrical components are working), have the mechanic inspect the main fuses. If the fuses are good, then the mechanic should inspect the ignition switch and other electrical components.
What to do if there is no power in my car?
If there is no power inside the car (none of the electrical components are working), have the mechanic inspect the main fuses. If the fuses are good, then the mechanic should inspect the ignition switch and other electrical components.
What does an ignition switch do?
The ignition switch serves to send power from the battery. When you turn your key to turn on your vehicle, the ignition switch takes power from the battery and sends it to the starter, which allows your vehicle to turn on. When you turn on any electrical components in your vehicle (such as your lights, radio, and air conditioning), ...
What happens if your ignition switch goes bad?
When the ignition switch goes bad, your car may not start and the accessories (light s, radio, etc.) may not work. Replacing an ignition switch can be as simple as removing a few screws to access the ignition switch, or as complicated as removing the whole steering column. Ignition Switch.
Where is the ignition switch located?
The ignition switch, located on the steering column or in the dashboard, takes the power from the battery and directs it to all the accessories and electrical components of your car. It also transfers the power to the starter when you turn the ignition key. If the starter does not receive power from the ignition key, the car will not start.
Can you turn on a car with a broken ignition switch?
With a faulty ignition switch, you won’t be able to use your radio, lights, or air conditioning, and you won’t be able to turn on your vehicle. In extreme cases, a broken ignition switch won’t allow you to turn your vehicle off, even if you remove the key.
What is an ignition switch?
The ignition switch allows the vehicle to turn on and activates the engine when you turn the key. It also works in conjunction with a lot of other systems, allowing them to activate and be operated once the car starts.
How much does it cost to fix an ignition switch?
To get your ignition switch fixed, you will pay between $125 and $275. The labor costs, on average, about $60, while parts go for anywhere from $75 to $210.
Why is it important to start your car when you turn the key?
By getting this problem taken care of, you can be sure that your car will start when you turn the key. It gives you a reliable car and reduces stress, and it allows you to operate the majority of the systems in your car. If you don’t want to get stranded somewhere or be unable to go where you need to go, then make sure you take care of this problem early.
Can you leave the ignition switch work up?
That’s a great way to save money. However, in some cars, particularly those with complex starting systems, it is best to leave the work up to a professional. You could get in over your head if there is a lot of work involved in changing out the ignition switch, so make sure you know what you are getting into.
What happens if the ignition switch is broken?
Ultimately, the ignition switch is what tells your car’s engine to start up or turn off. If the switch is broken, it won’t be able to do those things. Imagine if your light switch is broken. If your lights are on when the switch breaks, you’ll have no way of turning them off. But if your lights are off when the switch breaks, you can’t turn them on. The same can happen with your ignition switch, and your car’s motor. The switch can get stuff turned off, keeping the car from turning on, no matter how much you turn the key. Or the switch can be stuck on, and when you turn the key counter-clockwise and remove it, the engine stays running. Both of these things are bad. You can decide which is worse.
Can a car die from a failing ignition switch?
Yes, this one is exactly as fun as it sounds. Which is to say, not fun at all. If your ignition switch is failing, it’s common for the engine to randomly die. The switch will turn off while you’re driving, the car will stall, and you’ll be left with a car that isn’t running anymore. This is perhaps the most common symptom of a failing ignition switch.
How much to replace ignition switch?
Ignition Switch Replacement Cost 1 Labor costs are estimated between $80 and $100 while parts are priced at $104. 2 This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed. 3 This range is an average across all vehicles on the road. For a more accurate estimate based on your vehicle and location, use our Fair Price Estimator.
What happens when the ignition switch fails?
When the electrical portion of the ignition switch fails, the vehicle will permanently or intermittently lose power to certain systems and components, depending on which position the key is in. The vehicle may not turn on accessories like the air conditioner, or the vehicle may fail to start.
What is an ignition switch?
The ignition switch is part of the starting, charging and ignition systems. When turned, the ignition switch turns these systems on, allowing the vehicle to start and run. It also acts as a power switch for many of the electronic components in the car, including the radio, as well.
How much does labor cost?
Labor costs are estimated between $80 and $100 while parts are priced at $104. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
Can you drive a car with an ignition switch?
When ignition switch issues arise, it will be dangerous or impossible to drive the car. Depending on the point of failure, the vehicle could leave you stranded, stall in traffic, or even fail to turn off the engine when the key is removed. You should have the ignition switch repaired as soon as possible.
What is the ignition switch?
There are actually two parts that might be referred to as an ignition switch: the ignition lock cylinder that the key is inserted into to start the car, and the actual electronic ignition switch (located behind the lock cylinder) that provides power to the starter motor. In some vehicles the lock cylinder and ignition switch are a single unit, ...
How much does an ignition switch cost?
An ignition switch can cost $12-$550 or more but averages about $50-$250, depending on the make and model of vehicle, if it is a single part or a combined unit (both ignition switch and lock cylinder), and whether the part is aftermarket (produced by a company other than the original vehicle manufacturer) or OEM (from the vehicle manufacturer).
What happens if an ignition switch is shorted?
If the ignition switch has shorted out, the surrounding wires may be melted or burned, and will also need to be replaced, which will increase the total cost slightly. An ignition switch can be replaced by a car dealership, an independent repair shop, or car-repair chains like Pep Boys [ 3] or Sears [ 4] .
Can you remove an ignition switch without tools?
If the vehicle has anti-theft devices (common in newer cars), attempting to remove an ignition switch without proper tools may make the car inoperable. The exact procedure varies by vehicle, but but for some vehicles replacing an ignition switch requires disassembling the plastic steering column covers.
What are the four positions of the ignition switch?
The ignition switch, for the most part, has four positions: the start, off, on, and the accessories. A few autos have two off positions which are the off and bolt. The first one turns off the auto, and the alternate permits the way to be expelled from the ignition. At the point when the key is blown to the embellishments position, the radio for an instance will be fueled. In any case, accessories that require an excessive amount of battery force, like the window engines, will stay off to keep the auto’s battery from being depleted. The position of the accessories utilizes the minimal measure of battery force when the motor is not running. And that is the reason why the drive-in film theaters prescribe the auto to be left in the accessories mode during the move. For the on position, it turns on the greater part of the auto’s frameworks, including frameworks, like the fuel pump so that the ignition switch stays in while the auto’s motor is running.
How much does it cost to replace an ignition switch on a 2009 Porsche Cayenne?
So the total price to replace ignition switch is $265. The cost of the replacement really varies on the make and model of your car, so if you want to know the exact expenses, you can ask an expert ...
Should you dismantle the guiding segment and disengage the airbag?
In the event that you supplant the ignition switch yourself, you should dismantle the guiding segment and disengage the airbag (if material) to get to it. This is not a noteworthy assignment but rather it involves expelling a few little screws and parts from the distinctive parts of the controlling gathering.
Why do window engines stay off?
In any case, accessories that require an excessive amount of battery force, like the window engines, will stay off to keep the auto’s battery from being depleted. The position of the accessories utilizes the minimal measure of battery force when the motor is not running.
Is the lock barrel and ignition switch separate?
In a few vehicles, the lock barrel and ignition switch are a solitary unit, however, in others, they are separate parts. The fundamental side effect of an awful ignition switch is the inability to begin when the key is turned, despite the fact that this can be brought on by different elements. So what could be the price to replace ignition switch? ...
Can you turn off the ignition when you start an auto?
You can’t turn the ignition when you begin the auto and you can’t even simply drive safe back at your home in view of the issue that the wafers inside the ignition are broken or twisted and you have no clue how this thing happen or how much does ignition switch cost. There are really two sections that may have alluded to as an ignition switch: ...
What Do You Need To Know About The Ignition Switch?
First and foremost, it’s better that we understand what the component in question is before we can move on to discussing an ignition switch replacement. At the very genesis of a car’s already intricate ignition system, there’s the ignition switch. It’s often located – as you might already be familiar – on or around the steering column.
What Are The Symptoms That You Need To Consider An Ignition Switch Replacement?
Ordinarily, you’ll never have to worry about an ignition switch replacement. It’s one of those items in a car that could easily last the lifetime of the vehicle itself, without much need for maintenance or babying. However, these ignition switches can fail, and mainly due to design flaws.
Can You Ignore Getting An Ignition Switch Replacement, And Keep Driving?
Considering the symptoms that we’ve looked at so far, it’s safe to say that getting an ignition switch replacement done in time is crucial. At the very least, you’ll be inconvenienced with a car that takes perhaps far too many cranks to start it up. Or, it might have trouble starting up, and you’re left to be stranded by the side of the road.
How To Fix It, And How Much Does An Ignition Switch Replacement Cost?
But, you might ask, how much does an ignition switch replacement cost? As we’ve teased you a bit in the title up above, getting an ignition switch replacement can prove to be costly. The keyword is “can”, as it’s (relatively speaking) inexpensive to most other car repairs.
Could You Do A DIY Ignition Switch Replacement?
However, there’s a cheaper alternative to getting an ignition switch replacement. As we mentioned, the parts alone are inexpensive if you’re willing to opt for third-party aftermarket solutions. These can be had for as little as $20, or even less if there’s a discount.
Ignition Switch Replacement – Conclusion
Well then, that’s a good place to end our guide on ignition switch replacement. While it may seem like a trivial component, its role can’t be compromised when starting up any vehicle. Should it fail, especially while you’re going at speed, this mistake alone could put you in danger.
How does a key barrel work?
The key barrel works in the same way as any other key barrel on a lock. A series of pins are pushed into place via the grooves and notches in your key’s blade. Once the key has been inserted, and all of the pins have been pushed into place , your key is allowed to turn the ignition on. The electrical parts contain some electrical circuits ...
What is the function of an ignition switch?
The Function of the Ignition Switch. The ignition switch has two major components. There is the mechanical and the electronic. The ignition switch’s mechanical part is the key barrel (of course, this doesn’t apply to a keyless start system). The key barrel works in the same way as any other key barrel on a lock.
Why does my car's dashboard light blink?
This signifies that the ignition switch’s connection plate is bad, and it may be caused by corrosion or wear.
What happens when you turn the key in the ignition?
When you turn the key in the ignition – two stages should happen. The first stage is that the ignition should turn on. When you turn it slightly further, the ignition should still be on, but the ignition switch should also send a signal to the starter motor to turn. Inside the ignition switch, there is an electrical part connecting electrical ...
Why is ignition switch important?
The ignition switch is a very important part of your vehicle because it literally powers up every electronic device in your car. Therefore you may also understand that any problem with this small piece can cause tremendous problems with your car. It’s a very clever piece of technology that must constantly be improved and updated to keep up ...
How much does it cost to replace an ignition switch?
The average ignition switch replacement cost is between $120 and $250, depending on the car model and labor cost. An ignition switch costs $20 to $50 while labor costs $100 to $200. If you have a little bit older car model, it is most likely to replace the ignition switch alone, and in this case, you can expect a cost of $20 to $50 for the switch.
Where is the ignition switch located?
Ignition Switch Location. Your ignition switch is usually located on the back of the ignition lock cylinder where you insert your car key. To reach the ignition switch, you often have to remove all the covers around the steering wheel and disassemble the whole ignition lock cylinder.
Why car ignitions stop working
There are several reasons why ignitions stop working and require a repair. For example, the ignition barrel could have jammed or become worn so it won’t turn, or the ignition switch contacts could have become worn down.
How auto locksmiths repair ignitions
Once the auto locksmith has arrived at your location - often within the hour if it is an emergency - they will use their equipment to diagnose the issue with the ignition and explain what action is needed to fix it.
Replacing car keys
Of course, the ignition not working might be down to the key, rather than the ignition. Keys, like ignitions, can wear out and therefore won’t operate the ignition any more. In this situation, an auto locksmith can cut a new key while you wait - they have the tools and blank keys with them to enable them to do this.
Why you should use an auto locksmith
For ignition repairs you might think it logical to call your local auto dealer. However, while they can certainly fix the problem, you will have to get the car to the dealer, which isn’t easy if the ignition isn’t working! In addition, it will be likely to take them several days to undertake the job, especially if they have to order a part in.
Cost of ignition switch repair
Repairing an ignition is not a big job, and so the cost is not likely to leave a gaping hole in your finances. However, how much it will cost will depend on what is needed to be done, and the age, make and model of the car, SUV, truck or van you drive.
Why you should use the Auto Locksmiths website
The range of makes, models and ages of cars, vans, pickup trucks and SUVs that are driven by people in the US and the UK is huge, but whatever you drive, an experienced auto locksmith can fix your ignition.

Additional Costs That Might Be Required
- Depending on the vehicle and the manufacturer’s security system, you may have to have the ignition switch programmed to the vehicle which usually will cost an additional hour of labor. If you are having your lock cylinder re-keyed to match your original key, most dealerships and inde…
What Is An Ignition Switch?
- An ignition switch is a device used to start the engine when a key is inserted into the lock cylinder and turned. The ignition switch is made up of three components. The first component is the ignition switch housing. The housing is bolted or connected to the steering column and is usually secured with anti-tamper bolts to prevent thieves from removing and bypassing the need for a k…
So Which Component Do You Need to Replace?
- If your key goes into the lock cylinder but doesn’t turn or binds when trying to turn, it’s very likely that your lock cylinder has worn out. Replacing just the lock cylinder is going to save you money, and if you have it re-keyed to match your original key, everything will work just fine. Many times you won’t have to program the key if only replacing the lock cylinder, which will save you money i…