Ignition switch keeps going bad

JERMSFOWLER

MEMBER
2001 MITSUBISHI GALANT
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
145,000 MILES

I have replaced the ignition switch multiple times because every time I go install the switch and try and crank over again on my power back to the car but as soon as I crank it over it shuts off. No fuse is blown. Before I had the issue with the ignition fuse blowing and it was the previous owner who installed the stereo to the ignition wire and was causing a short. Took the stereo out replace the fuse car worked again for a couple days and then shuts down when I try to crank it. Could the park neutral switch give too much voltage to the ignition switch causing it to go bad every time?

Friday, August 14th, 2020 AT 8:22 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

When this happens and everything goes out, does it come back after some time? Have you checked to make sure battery terminals are clean and tight and all grounds are in good condition?

Take a look at this link. I don't think the ignition switch is going bad every time you try to start the car. I feel it is a connection issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

You mentioned the neutral safety switch. It will prevent the engine from cranking if not in park or neutral. If it's bad it can cause the same in park or neutral. See if it makes a difference if you try to start it in neutral.

Let me know.
Joe

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Friday, August 14th, 2020 AT 9:07 PM

JERMSFOWLER

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Hey Joe. Yes, I believe the switch goes bad cause it will never get power again. I have tried three times with it with three different switches always same out come. Turn key after installing new switch dash lights, power windows, etc, come back on then once I try and turn it over boom I hear a clunk and all power goes out. With the car not working I have tested voltage to the ignition and I have 12v.

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Friday, August 14th, 2020 AT 9:46 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Even with the new switches, it sounds like a connection issue. The starter places a heavy load on the system. If there is a weak connection, this is what often happens. If you think about it, there is only 12v no matter what with the engine off. Unless you have something wired wrong, that really shouldn't hurt the switch. You aren't blowing any fuses that would indicate a short.

Disconnect the battery and then reconnect it to see if the same thing happens.

Let me know. Also, follow the ground from the battery to the engine block and there is a body ground near the battery. See the attached pic. Check to make sure the positive and neg terminals are clean and tight on the battery.

Joe

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