Q: What are the ignition switch positions?

asked by on December 14, 2015

What are the ignition switch positions?

If your car is equipped with a standard ignition and a mechanical key/remote combination, you have several different ignition switch positions that you’ll need to know (smart key systems have one less ignition switch position). Here’s an overview of each ignition position:

  • Lock: This is the off position. No accessories work, and you can take the key out of the ignition. The steering wheel can also be locked.

  • Accessory: In accessory mode, you can listen to the radio, as well as use some other electronics. The key cannot be removed from the ignition.

  • On: This turns on all of your electronics. The key cannot be removed. The key will also default to this position after you crank the engine.

  • Start: Turn the key to this position to crank the engine. Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts. Holding the key in start after the engine is running can damage the starter.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Black smoke issuing from vehicle and burning oil.
Hello, There is a common problem with the PCV valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/pcv-valve-hose-replacement) allowing oil to enter into the intake and burn oil on these cars. There is a modified PCV valve that has been made to prevent this from happening. I...
Speedometer isn't working
Hi. If your speedometer is not working, and your Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) this may be a sign that your speedometer sensor has failed. As the speedometer sensor is located in the transmission, underneath the vehicle, I would recommend having...
Car overheated on freeway
Hello. If the car will only overheat on the freeway and not anywhere else, I suspect you may have a common civic issue, which is a failing head gasket. Head gasket repair is generally pretty expensive. But there are other...
Ball joints replacement, dash lights came on
The code that you are describing goes to the right front speed sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-speed-sensor). I cannot assume that the last repair you've done damaged the sensor or it just went bad. I would have the front right sensor inspected to...
Car jerks when i put it gear
Assuming your car has an automatic transmission, it sounds like you may be low on transmission fluid. Automatic transmissions use transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) that is pressurized to shift gears. When the transmission is low on fluid, this can cause delays...
Oil light comes on when braking
You should first check to make sure the oil level is full. If system is full of oil then you should have the oil pressure checked to see if it is in specifications. The problem sounds like when you are...
Vibration
Shaking at high speeds is often times related to tires that may be out of balance, low on air, potentially a badly aligned front end or failing suspension components or ball joints (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ball-joint-front-replacement). When any of these things are not...
Driving from Washington to Oregon when I got home battery boiled over. The 4 wheel drive dash lights and overdrive are on.
Hello. With so many lights indicating on the dashboard such as the check engine light and the overdrive light they will certainly be codes present inside of the transmission control module and engine control module. I suggest that a technician...
Car is making a loud noise coming from the air box because when u apply a little pressure the noise goes away and I just got a new
Hello, thank you for writing in. You are absolutely heading in the right direction. If you were to look at a diagram of the filter housing you would see it simply runs to the vents up front. If you can...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Infiniti M
The The 2012 Infiniti M combines luxury, performance and value into a stylish sedan. With numerous standard luxury features and drive-enhancing technology, this is one car that is sure to impress any driver in a number of ways. Key Features...
2012 Jeep Patriot vs. 2012 Honda CR-V: Which One Should I Buy?
The mid-size SUV is a great vehicle for getting a lot of people from one place to another, with a decent price point and pretty good ongoing fuel economy. While they are never going to get the amazing gas mileage...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Need to Haul a Motocross Bike
Of Of course you would love to be able to ride your motocross bike everywhere, but the reality is, at some point you're going to need to transport it. A cargo van of almost any make or model would be...