This unit, referred to as the ignition switch, not only allows the owner of the ignition key to start the engine, but also locks the steering after the key is removed from the switch and the steering wheel is turned briefly.
The anti-theft device, as a component of the ignition switch, rarely fails, but the electrical part of the lock (that is, the switch itself) can often be the cause of the malfunction. You can check whether the ignition switch is working properly by removing the steering column trim.
Ignition switch with anti-theft device
The ignition switch must be removed at a car repair shop. It may cause a malfunction if its contacts are oxidized. If a malfunction is detected, the ignition switch assembly should be replaced.
Defective ignition switch
If the contacts in the ignition switch are so worn that nothing happens when you turn the key, you can still start the engine. The condition is that there is voltage in the red wire of the ignition switch.
1. Remove the lower steering column trim.
2. Disconnect the black and gray connector pin.
3. Using an insulated piece of wire, connect the tinned contacts of the thick red wire in the black plug-in block to the yellow wire in the gray plug-in block. The charge and oil pressure control lamps should light up (on the diesel there is also a preheating device lamp).
4. The car needs to be pushed.
5. Or connect the red and white wire sockets in the black terminal block with an insulated piece of wire with a cross-section of 4 mm². This will start the starter.
6. Once the engine starts, disconnect the wire.
7. Fix and insulate the jumper between the red and yellow wires so that a short circuit does not occur during movement.
8. To stop the engine, disconnect the jumper between the red and yellow wires.
Checking switches
1. Using a test lamp with a needle contact, you can pierce the insulation of the wire and measure the voltage in it.
2. Find the required wiring diagram for your Renault 19.
3. First check if there is electric current reaching the switch; to do this, turn on the ignition or light several times.
4. Then check whether the switch transmits electric current in the appropriate position.