Bad ignition switch symptoms: how to tell if it’s failing? No crank?No crank? Starts then stalls? The catch is, a weak battery, a starter on its last leg, or a wiring glitch can pull off the same act. This guide takes you through the usual warning signs—no crank, starts and stalls, dash power cutting in and out, a key that doesn’t turn smoothly, or power suddenly returning when you move the key—and helps you sort out whether it’s the switch, the battery, or the starter. We’ll also walk through what to check before you replace anything: battery voltage, terminal connections, ground straps, fuses, and the connector for heat damage or corrosion. Look at the whole pattern—one symptom alone doesn’t tell the whole story.