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But if the ignition won’t turn on, that usually means the scanner isn’t going to function, so what do we do next? If the basics have been checked and no simple issue is uncovered, it’s time to dig deeper into our diagnostics. If the brake lights don’t work, this can be a quick indication of a failed brake switch, blown fuse or wiring issue, and having the brake pedal depressed is needed to make the vehicle start.
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(I say this from great personal experience.) I certainly don’t trust some diagnostic procedures that claim that honking the horn is an adequate measure of the vehicle’s battery capabilities.Ī quick verification of the brake light switch function is next. Proper battery voltage, state of charge and the battery’s physical connections are beyond important. The actual vehicle 12-volt battery must be checked thoroughly before we go into any form of high-tech diagnostics. Push button no-starts should be treated the same way that we have treated no-start situations in the past. And finally, there are a number of modules, wiring and communications networks linking the entire system together to provide the needed voltage to the starter solenoid and other circuits, allowing the vehicle to start and run. Some form of steering lock may be used as an added layer of security. One or more antennae located on the vehicle will be used to sense the fob presence and ask it to report the appropriate security information for interpretation by the immobilizer system.ĭata regarding brake pedal and, if equipped, clutch pedal position is needed, as well as transmission gear position. They will use a smart key fob that contains the needed security information that is specifically matched to the immobilizer system of the vehicle. Understanding how a particular vehicle’s push button start system works will be very make- and model- specific, but there are a number of similarities to all push button start systems. But they have become far more common and we are starting to see issues with them. They have been around since the late-1990’s. Today many vehicles only need a smart key fob and a start button or switch to get the vehicle running. The typical push button start complaint is “when I push the start button, nothing happens,“ but where do we start to diagnose this complaint when the ignition won’t even turn on?
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