You enjoy driving your Acura ILX compact luxury sedan, which is comfortable, fuel-efficient, and has premium standard features. But one day, you switch off the car, and it does not turn off. Why would your Acura ILX behave this way, and what can you do about it? We asked the car experts to answer these questions and more.
When you switch off your Acura ILX, but it refuses to turn off, the following could be faulty:
- Ignition switch
- Main relay
Keep reading to learn why your car does not turn off despite switching it off. Also included are the solutions to this problem and other related issues.
Reasons Your Acura ILX Does Not Turn Off And What To Do
It can be frustrating when you switch off the ignition, and your car continues to run. The following are the reasons this might be happening:
Faulty Ignition Switch Element
The ignition switch receives electrical power from the battery and directs it to the starter, allowing your car to turn on.
The ignition switch also assists to turn on the accessories, such as the radio, lights, or air conditioning. This happens when the switch draws power from the battery and directs it to these electrical components.
There are several things that can go wrong when you have a faulty switch, such as your car not starting. Other issues may include the electrical components not working. The worst possible outcome is when your car continues to run, even when you remove the key from the ignition.
When these issues occur, you'll need to access the ignition switch to examine it.
The switch is behind the key cylinder, where you insert the key in the dash or steering column. Lift off the dash panels or covers to reach the switch. Disconnect the switch from the connector, after which your car should go quiet. If this happens, you need to replace the ignition switch element.
How To Replace The Ignition Switch
As you replace the ignition switch, it's good to allow a mechanic examine and diagnose the problem. The steps to replacing the switch are:
Save Your Car’s Data
Check out this memory saver on Amazon.
It is a good idea to install a memory saver like the one shown above to prevent losing your car’s data. Remember, the Acura ILX is a modern car fitted with a high-technology performance monitoring computer.
Unplug The Battery
Loosen the negative cable and place it away from the battery to avoid re-connecting accidentally.
Access The Ignition Switch
Check your manual to know the location of your switch. If the switch is in your dashboard, remove the panels. Alternatively, remove the covers from your steering column to access the switch. Be careful as you access the switch to avoid accidentally deploying the airbags.
Remove The Ignition Switch
You may have to remove the bolts holding the switch in place, or if yours has tabs, press them to release it.
Install The New Ignition Switch
Align the switch and mount it securely, not forgetting to snap back the electrical connector. Secure back the dash panel or the steering column covers.
Re-Install The Cable
Connect the negative cable to the battery, and remove the memory saver.
Faulty Power Relay
Have a look at this main relay on Amazon.
If after disconnecting the ignition from the electrical connector, your car still runs, then check the main relay that controls the fuel and ignition system.
It is a gadget that opens and closes the fuel system. However, in the majority of cars, it also aids in the opening and closing of the ignition system.
You’ll need to remove it to confirm that it is indeed the cause of the problem. If your car goes quiet after removing it, then replace it.
How To Replace The Main Relay
Replacing the relay is easy, but as always, if you are not up to the task, allow a qualified mechanic to replace it.
Locate The Relay
Check your manual to know where the relay box is situated. A main relay can be under the hood, inside the passenger cabin, or in the trunk.
Remove The Faulty Relay
You can use a pair of pliers to remove the main relay. Or, you may pull it out with your hands and place it aside. Be gentle as you do this to avoid damaging any wiring or connectors.
Install A New Relay
Take the new relay and gently insert it in the right position. It’s important to note that replacing your relay is easy, and you can do it yourself. However, diagnosing to find out the real problem is a little complex. Leave that to a qualified mechanic.
Check out the video below to get an idea of how you can access and remove the main relay:
Signs Of A Bad Ignition Switch
As mentioned above, your car refusing to switch off after turning off the ignition is a sign of a bad ignition switch. However, there are other signs that you should watch out for that signal you have a bad ignition switch, including:
Your Car Starts Then Stalls
You may still be able to start your car when you turn on the ignition, but only for a short time. Your ignition sends enough power to the ignition system that is able to start your car before it stalls.
Engine Does Not Start
A faulty ignition switch cannot send power to the ignition system, the starter motor, or other engine components. Thus your engine will not start.
But, remember, your engine may not start due to a mechanical issue or another type of electrical problem. A dead battery or spoilt solenoid are some of the culprits. A mechanic can help you verify the problem.
Electrical Components Do Not Turn On
Electrical components such as dashboard or interior lights may not turn on, or they may turn on intermittently.
Key Hard To Turn
A damaged ignition can cause your key to get stuck in the ignition, making it difficult to turn the key.
Signs Of A Bad Main Relay
As seen above, your car can continue running even when you switch it off due to a bad main relay. However, there are other signs that you should look out for that indicate your main relay is faulty, including:
Can’t Start Your Car
Your car can refuse to start if you have a main relay that is not working. Even so, you first need to rule out a bad starter or dead battery.
If your battery is in good working condition, turn your key in the ignition at different angles. If the sound of a click comes from the fuse box, then the main relay is not the main issue. But, if no sound comes out, then you need to investigate further.
Car Stops Running
You could still start and run your car, but only for a short time. The time it takes to run may be for a few seconds or minutes.
Check Engine Light
The 'check engine' light will come on when your main relay is damaged or faulty.
Cost Of Repairing Your Acura ILX That Does Not Turn Off
The main relay generally costs between $30 and $70, and labor to replace it will cost you from $40 to $50.
In general, the ignition switches for an Acura ILX costs around $330 each. Labor costs to replace the switch is $95. To replace the main relay for an Acura ILX costs $95 for labor and $117 for the parts.
In Closing
There are two reasons your Acura ILX will not turn off, even when you switch it off. They include a faulty ignition switch or faulty main relay. You'll need to access these parts to confirm that they are the problem. Have them replaced, if they are the problem.
It is possible to replace these parts yourself if you have the skills and competency. However, diagnosing the problem can be challenging and is best left to a mechanic.
The cost of repairs or replacement depends on the part, the job to be done, and where the job will be done.
You can learn more about why your car will not start by clicking the links below:
Car Wont Start After Driving Through Water What To Do
Jeep Wont Start But Turns Over
You may also want to read more about the Acura ILX below: