Ignition Switch Replacement Cost Estimate
Concerned about potentially overspending on your ignition switch replacement? Utilize MyMechanic for an accurate estimate on the cost of your ignition switch replacement.
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How much does an ignition switch replacement cost?
The typical expense for an ignition switch replacement ranges from 190 to 230, covering 115 to 130 for parts and 80 to 100 for labor. Your vehicle's year and model will influence the exact price.
How long does it take to change an ignition switch replacement?
The parts cost encompasses a new ignition switch and potentially extends to a replacement ignition control module, car battery, or starter motor. Regarding labor costs, it usually takes one to two hours for a certified mechanic to inspect your vehicle, diagnose the issue, and finish the ignition switch replacement.
How did we estimate these prices?
My Mechanic experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all states in Malaysia, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified MyMechanic in Malaysia, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair.
What parts do you need for an ignition switch replacement?
There exist three primary categories of ignition systems, with only the initial two relying on an ignition switch for activation:
- Conventional (also known as "contact breaker" or "breaker point") ignition system
- Electronic ignition system
- Distributorless ignition system
Here are some of the other parts the conventional and electronic ignition systems have in common:
- Ignition switches:Found in conventional and electronic ignition systems, these switches complete the circuit and fire up the engine when you turn the key or push the ignition switch. Hitting the ignition switch again will interrupt the circuit and shut down the engine.
- Car batteries:Found in all three ignition systems, they supply the ignition coils with a low-voltage current once the circuit is completed.
- Ignition coils:A staple of all three ignition systems, they transform the car battery's current into raw power, generating 60-120,000 volts. Distributors or distributor caps use either breaker points or pickup coils to time the bursts of electricity it sends to the spark plugs.
- Ignition cables, or spark plug wires:Present in conventional and electronic ignition systems, they pass the voltage created by the ignition coils and timed by the distributor to the spark plugs.
- Spark plugs:Essential to all three ignition systems, they ignite the mixture of air and fuel inside each of your vehicle engine’s cylinders at just the right time, bringing your car’s engine to life.
Remember, reviving your car might entail installing a new ignition switch, spark plugs, ignition coils, or even a fresh car battery.
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts typically come with a higher price tag compared to aftermarket parts but often boast superior warranties. For instance, if a certified Toyota mechanic fits your car with a genuine ignition switch, you may receive a 24-month/25,000-mile warranty. Ignition switch expenses escalate further for luxury brands like Audi or Mercedes-Benz.
However, it's worth noting that certain aftermarket performance parts manufacturers provide comparable or even superior quality to OEM parts.
Several well-known brands offer ignition switch replacement parts, such as Bosch, Denso, and ACDelco. These replacement parts are available at automotive body shops, parts stores, dealerships, and online retailers like AutoZone or Amazon. If you lean towards OEM parts, you can explore your vehicle manufacturer’s official website. Most car makers, including Honda, Chevrolet, Nissan, and others, sell OEM parts online. To ensure you purchase the correct part, consult your owner’s manual for any essential specifications.
Where can I get my ignition switch replaced?
Finding a mechanic to replace your ignition switch can be challenging, especially if you don't have a trusted garage. However, you can get your ignition switch replaced at MyMechanic in Malaysia. Additionally, consider using a service to compare prices from a wide range of reputable auto repair shops. This service assesses fair price estimates from each auto shop, taking into account their hourly labor rate. It also helps you determine if diagnostic fees are included in the service cost and provides honest reviews to aid in your decision-making process.
How did we vet these shops?
My Mechanic experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the Malaysia. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually.
How will a mechanic perform an ignition switch replacement?
Replacing an ignition switch requires expertise in electrical systems and familiarity with both conventional and electronic ignition systems. During a garage visit, the mechanic will typically:
- Preparethe car by installing a memory saver to prevent the drive computer from resetting and losing data. They'll also disconnect the battery and dismantle the steering column and dashboard.
- Locatethe ignition switch carefully, ensuring not to disturb the airbag wiring. Depending on the vehicle and ignition system type, it may be near the lock cylinder or consist of a chip and wiring communicating with the car computer.
- Disconnectthe wiring and remove the old ignition switch.
- Installthe new ignition switch and reconnect the wiring, possibly aligning the switch according to manufacturer instructions.
- Reassemblethe steering wheel column and dashboard, reconnect the battery, and then test the car.
Can a car still start with a bad ignition switch?
It's improbable that your car will start with an ignition switch problem, but even if it does, you may encounter other issues. Depending on the severity of the problem, you might experience:
- Ignition problems:When the ignition switch fails to start the engine, your car won’t move. Being stranded is never ideal.
- Engine stalls:A defective ignition switch can disrupt the current needed to fire the engine cylinders, resulting in sudden power loss. Persistent stalling and misfires can eventually harm the engine.
- Power shorts:The circuits controlled by the ignition switch also power other car electronics, such as the radio, interior lights, and dashboard lights. Repeated power interruptions could lead to eventual malfunctioning of your electronics.
- Faulty catalytic converter:If fuel fills the engine cylinders but remains unignited, it travels through the exhaust to the catalytic converter. The converter isn’t designed to handle raw gasoline, risking damage if you neglect a faulty ignition control module.
What is an ignition switch replacement?
An ignition switch replacement involves swapping out the electrical component in your car’s ignition responsible for completing the power circuit to start the vehicle. This service typically requires removing the steering column and dashboard, disconnecting the wiring, and installing a new part.
Additionally, the mechanic will take precautions to safeguard your car computer’s data during power disconnection and prevent accidental deployment of the front airbags.
What are the symptoms of a faulty ignition switch?
A malfunctioning ignition switch fails to maintain the connection required to ignite the vehicle engine cylinders, leading to various starting and driving issues. Here are the warning signs to be mindful of:
- Inability to start the car
- Immediate engine stall after starting
- Engine stalling while driving
- Inoperative lighting, radio, and other electrical accessories
How often do you need to replace ignition switches?
An ignition switch is prone to wear and tear, making it challenging to anticipate when or whereit might fail. Unforeseen damage, extreme temperatures, or inadequate maintenance can all contribute to its shortened lifespan. Mechanical ignition switches, such as lock cylinders, are particularly susceptible to jamming, while electronic ignition switches, like buttons, can fail due to shorts or power surges.
Can I replace an ignition switch myself?
Replacing an ignition switch is not a straightforward DIY task.While it may only require basic tools, it involves intricate knowledge of the ignition system and dismantling the steering column and dashboard. Without expertise in these areas, there's a risk of damaging components or encountering injury from the airbag. Therefore, we strongly advise leaving this repair to professional mechanics.
FAQs
Depending on the type of ignition system your car has, replacing the ignition switch may necessitate obtaining a new key. If you're repairing or lubricating a mechanical lock cylinder, you can retain your original key. However, in an electronic ignition system, switches and key fobs are paired. Therefore, if you install a new switch, you'll likely require a new fob to bypass the anti-theft security system.
In a traditional conventional ignition system, the ignition and ignition switch are distinct components. By turning a key in the mechanical ignition lock cylinder, the electronic switch is activated, thereby completing the ignition circuit. Conversely, electronic push-button ignition switches are typically integrated into a single unit.
A faulty ignition switch can deplete your car battery if it remains stuck in the ON position or if you repeatedly attempt to start your car. In the former case, a switch stuck in the ON position continuously draws power from the car battery, resulting in its depletion.
t's common to persist in starting the engine if it initially fails to start. However, the more you exert force on a faulty ignition switch, the quicker you risk draining the battery completely.
