Forklift Ignition Switch and Other Replacement Parts

Table of Contents

Summary

The Ignition creates a break in electric current flow to your forklift's electrical components that supply power through the Ignition Fuse. When it fails, all electrical components stop working until you can replace them. The Ignition Fuse should be replaced if it shows signs of "blistering" or signs of being overheated and blown open (initially used in all vehicles). Further discussed in this article below.

Forklift Ignition Switch

It would seem that having an Ignition switch is very important for your forklift. If you try to start it without one, the ignition key will probably find itself up in your steering wheel, much like if you were removing a knife from a block of cheese using only gravity as a guide.

Forklift Ignition Switch is just as crucial to your operation as its engine. It allows the flow of electricity into the starter motor so that you can turn over the engine and get underway. Without an Ignition Switch, it wouldn't matter how well your forklift was tuned or how large of an air filter you used because there would be no spark whatsoever - not even enough voltage to keep the headlights on.

The Ignition Switch has a built-in "safety" designed to prevent the forklift from being driven if it's in gear. Without this system, your vehicle could be started in gear and cause significant damage to the transmission! It is directly connected to a small switch on top of your brake pedal called the Brake-Shift Interlock (BSI). It's important to note here that you have an Ignition Switch with three positions:

Leaving out details, there are two switches. A push-button for when you won't start the engine, and a key cylinder. It functionally works by disconnecting battery power when turned off, providing a path for current flow into the coil or relay to start the engine. When turned on, contacts connect the battery to the coil/relay to provide a path for current flow into the coil or relay to start the engine with the key inserted in the Ignition Switch.

Parts of the Ignition switch

• Ignition assembly inside the dash.

• Ignition cylinder within steering column with ignition keys.

• Ignition lock housing that has a spring contact.

• The ignition lock cylinder has a retainer clip and pin and contains pins in correct alignment to be used in all vehicles correctly.

The Ignition is responsible for supplying electrical power to the starter system, which turns over the engine. When you turn your forklift's ignition key, energy flows from the battery through one of the two main wires leading into the Ignition Switch. It contains a spring-loaded plunger that closes an electrical circuit in the Ignition Coil when inserted into the Ignition Cylinder. It flips on and off (turns in and out) with each turn ignition key and touches the battery power in the Ignition Wire. This causes current to flow through Ignition Switch through Ignition Wire to Ignition Coil or Relay to spark plugs.

In addition, a mechanical linkage connected between the steering column and brake pedal makes sure that you can't start your forklift in gear. The only way to get your forklift going is by pressing down on your brake pedal first! With no keys in the Ignition Switch, your electrical power flows from the battery through a fuse box under the hood. There are two main fuses on most forklifts - one for essential circuits, such as the Ignition Coil and electric fuel pump, and one for nonessential systems, like your radio or lights.

If you ever removed any of these fuses to check them, you may have noticed that each one has a colored strip along its length. It's called a fuse puller - this is the part of the Ignition Switch makes sure only properly designed electrical components are used in your forklift. When your Ignition Switch fails or gets bumped hard enough to turn it off while driving, all power flows through the Ignition Fuse until it burns out. This renders all electrical components useless until you get to a repair shop and replace the Ignition Switch!

What happens when Ignitions malfunction?

Here is what happens when Ignitions malfunction:

• Loss of power for the forklift's electrical system.

• Unintended movement of the vehicle.

• Ignition Switch failure doesn't create an electrical short.

Why Choose Lift Parts Warehouse to buy Forklift Ignition Switches?

When it comes time to purchase a new ignition switch for your forklift, you may wonder where the best place to buy one is. At Lift Parts Warehouse, we offer a wide selection of ignition switches for all makes and models of forklifts. We have years of experience in the industry and can help you find the perfect switch for your machine.

Takeaways

• The Ignition Switch has a built-in "safety" designed to prevent the forklift from being driven if it's in gear.

• It functionally works by disconnecting battery power when turned off, providing a path for current flow into the coil or relay to start the engine.

• It contains a spring-loaded plunger that closes an electrical circuit in the Ignition Coil when inserted into the Ignition Cylinder. It flips on and off (turns in and out) with each turn ignition key and touches the battery power in the Ignition Wire.

• If you ever removed any of these fuses to check them, you may have noticed that each one has a colored strip along its length.