CAL Automotive Locksmith Ignition System Repair & Replacement 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When an ignition switch is worn and causes the vehicle to stall while driving, which component is most likely failing?
- The ignition lock cylinder
- The electrical ignition switch (Correct answer)
- The starter relay
- The neutral safety switch
Correct answer: The electrical ignition switch
The electrical ignition switch maintains power to the engine's run circuit, and wear can cause intermittent power loss leading to stalls.
Question 2: A customer reports their transponder key starts the car only when held at a specific angle near the ignition. What is the most likely cause?
- Weak key battery
- Damaged transponder antenna ring (Correct answer)
- Corrupted PCM memory
- Faulty ignition lock cylinder
Correct answer: Damaged transponder antenna ring
A damaged or partially broken antenna ring creates dead spots that require the key to be positioned precisely to achieve proper transponder communication.
Question 3: Which ignition system component is responsible for converting low-voltage battery current into the high-voltage spark needed for combustion?
- Ignition control module
- Ignition coil (Correct answer)
- Crankshaft position sensor
- Distributor cap
Correct answer: Ignition coil
The ignition coil acts as a step-up transformer, converting 12V battery voltage into the thousands of volts required to jump the spark plug gap.
Question 4: When replacing an ignition lock cylinder on a column-shift vehicle, why must the gear selector be in PARK before removal?
- To prevent airbag deployment
- To allow access to the release tab or pin (Correct answer)
- To reset the immobilizer system
- To disconnect the PRNDL linkage
Correct answer: To allow access to the release tab or pin
Most column-shift vehicles have a park interlock that positions a release tab or pin access hole used to depress and remove the lock cylinder.
Question 5: A 2012 Ford F-150 requires ignition lock cylinder replacement. The new cylinder must be?
- Pre-programmed with existing key codes before installation
- Installed first, then keys cut and programmed (Correct answer)
- Purchased only from the OEM dealer
- Coded to match the original VIN via OBD port
Correct answer: Installed first, then keys cut and programmed
On most Ford vehicles with PATS, the new mechanical cylinder is installed first, then keys are cut to match and transponders are programmed to the existing PCM.
Question 6: What does 'ignition switch staging' refer to in automotive locksmith practice?
- Programming transponder keys in sequence
- Testing each ignition position (ACC, ON, START) for proper function (Correct answer)
- Installing the switch in multiple steps to avoid airbag triggers
- Using a staged power supply to avoid voltage spikes
Correct answer: Testing each ignition position (ACC, ON, START) for proper function
Staging refers to verifying that each rotational position of the ignition switch—Accessory, On/Run, and Start—delivers correct electrical outputs to the appropriate circuits.
Question 7: Which tool is specifically used to extract a broken ignition lock cylinder when the standard release pin method fails?
- Slide hammer with adapter
- Lock cylinder extraction kit or puller (Correct answer)
- Flex-head ratchet set
- Air chisel with cylinder bit
Correct answer: Lock cylinder extraction kit or puller
A dedicated lock cylinder extraction kit uses specially shaped tools to grip and pull the broken cylinder without damaging the column housing.
CAL Automotive Locksmith Ignition System Repair & Replacement 2
When an ignition switch is worn and causes the vehicle to stall while driving, which component is most likely failing?