The second thing I would do is check for recalls and/or tsb's. With all the attention to GM ignition switches lately I couldn't help but mention that. You might even get lucky.
That said...
If the key wont turn, it's a key cylinder issue, many cars that is available separate from the switch portion.
If it has been properly diagnosed as an ignition switch failure AND you want to bypass it with a simple switch, you would need to know WHICH circuits of that switch are faulty before you could cobble together a rigged 'fix'. With dozens of circuits to and from the ignition switch the task could get out of hand. But who knows? You might get lucky and have only one faulty circuit.
Another factor to ponder is whether or not the remaining circuits of the ignition switch are continuously degrading. Not knowing the root cause of the failure means that you cannot discount this factor willy-nilly.
And with so many safety systems such as ABS, Airbag, Traction Control etc. that are activated by the ignition switch it becomes even more important.
Keys, like everything else, DO wear out over time. First, I would try the spare key to see if it works.
You DO have a spare..........right?????
Only a complete idiot would have only 1 key to their car.
IF the key can be turned to the ON position and the the car gets power then it should be able to start by running a separate power wire through a switch to the starter relay or start terminal on the starter. IF the key won't turn to the ON position you are pretty screwed and most likely the tumblers in the mechanism are broken and it needs to be replaced. Sometimes lubricating the mechanism might help.
If the key will TURN (to unlock the steering wheel), and the car recognizes the chip, then all you need to do is get to the wiring harness that the stock ignition switch hooks to and splice into the ignition and starter wires. Your mechanic friend should know how to do that, using the correct guage wires. At that point you can run the wires to wherever you like (dash board, under dash, etc.) and just hook up switches: one 'on/off' switch for the ignition & a 'push to start' button to activate the starter motor. You ahold be able to do this for under $40 with generic switches - no "kit" needed.
If the key doesn't turn to unlock the steering wheel, then it gets a little more complicated.
I have a 2003 honda civic lx. A couple days ago we turned the car off and realized the windows were down so we go to turn the car back on to put the windows up and the key would go in but it WOULD NOT turn the car on.
To get this fixed would be 500-600 dollars. We need a cheaper route. Something we can do by ourselves to save money...
I seen some videos of remote starting and push to start. Would these work if that ignition switch is messed up?
U only need the wires to the ignition right?
Please give me some advice here.
Our key does have the chip in it so idk if we can do this or not.
This is our only car so any solutions or advice would help.
We have a mechanic in the family and he said it would have to be taken to honda.
