How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems

There are a myriad of reasons your car might start and run but the ignition won't start the spark plugs. Some are simple and cheap to repair, while others require special equipment and the assistance of mechanics.

First, lubricate the socket that holds the key. You can apply graphite powder, or a silicon aerosol spray. Make sure that the ignition key replacement cost cylinder is clean and has no loose springs or obstructions.

Battery

If your car ignition locked isn't starting it could be due to the battery being dead. This is a common issue which can be resolved by an extra jump or charging the battery. If this does not fix the problem your ignition switch could be defective. This component is responsible for transferring power from the battery to other electrical components like the starter motor and the ignition coil. If the ignition switch is defective it won't allow current to pass through and the engine will not start.

The battery is the source of all the electrical energy you use in your vehicle. The battery is a black box that has positive (+) and negatively (-) terminals on the top. The terminals could be corroded and stop the battery from providing power to the rest of the vehicle. By disconnecting the battery you can use a wire bristle to remove any corrosion. You can also clean the terminals using a baking soda solution.

Your car battery may also be nearing the end of its lifespan and need to be replaced. A new battery will supply the correct voltage to your vehicle's spark plugs. This is necessary for a functioning engine.

The ignition coil converts the battery's low voltage into high voltage that causes the spark plugs in your car and then start the engine. If the ignition coil is damaged it will not be able to spark the plugs, and your engine won't start. You can test the ignition coil by checking for a spark in the engine or turning the key and seeing whether the engine spins.

It is possible to replace the starter motor Car ignition switch too. If you hear a grating sound when you turn the ignition key it is a sign that the starter bearings are deteriorating. It is a costly repair, so it's best to replace your starter motor when you begin to detect signs of wear. Changing the starter motor is an easy process that requires replacing a few parts and bolts.

Alternator

The alternator is the one that charges your battery and also powers the electrical components of your car while the engine is running. Examine the battery first if you suspect your alternator is failing. This will help you determine if the alternator is causing the battery to drain or your battery is old and requires to be replaced.

Your car's alternator also provides power for your windshield wipers, dash lights as well as electric steering, power windows as well as heated seats and your radio while the vehicle is idling. You can use a voltmeter check your battery and the alternator to determine the proper voltage levels. If your battery has less than 6 volts, it must be replaced or charged right away. A dead or low-volt battery will also prevent the starter motor from cranking the engine, and will require more jumper cables to get your car started.

Before you begin removing the Alternator, turn off the ignition and secure all doors. Disconnect the negative cable and store it safely. Wear safety gear. Check out a repair manual that is specific to your vehicle for instructions on how to remove the alternator or any other components.

If your car has a warning light wire, you can remove it from the back of the generator after taking off the belt. The wire will connect directly to the alternator terminal that is marked WL or IN. Some vehicles have an additional relay that performs this function. If the warning light doesn't appear, you must suspect a different problem.

It is recommended to regularly check your alternator for signs of malfunction. While you can do some of the tests yourself, it's best to bring your vehicle into Les Schwab for a free inspection and expert advice. Our highly trained technicians can examine your battery posts, battery (the terminals that are marked + and -) for corrosion relays, fuses, voltage output and cold cranking amps, and more to determine what the issue is.

Starter Motor

The starter motor is an essential component of the ignition system. It is responsible for turning over the engine to take in air, which is essential to ignite the fuel. When your car won't start it's usually due to a problem with the starter motor. There are a few troubleshooting methods to help you determine the problem and fix it.

When you turn on your vehicle's ignition key, a switch inside the starter activates a pinion gear that fits into grooves of the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel which starts the engine. The gear retracts when you release the key to avoid damage.

The starter motor may be affected by a variety of factors, including a mechanical problem (such as teeth not lining up on the flywheel) or dead cells. A faulty starter motor can sound like a dead phone battery. It will make a clicking sound as it attempts to turn the engine over.

If the starter motor isn't working One of the first things a mechanic would look at is the state of charge of the battery and its terminals. If the battery has corrosion or is low it must be recharged or replaced.

Depending on the degree of the problem, the mechanic may also examine the solenoid of the starter with a multimeter. The solenoid is a huge magnet switch, transmits a surge of power from the thick batteries cables to the starter. This switch basically connects the thick battery cable to the windings inside the starter, which activate the electric motor as well as it pulls an actuator rod that turns on an engaging fork that will then push the gear pinion to automatically engage with the flywheel.

Another option is to bypass the ignition switch using an extension wire. This is only a temporary solution but it shouldn't be recommended unless you are able to do it right. You will need to carefully connect your jumper wires the battery terminals, and make sure that the switch is in the "Start position".

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is the place where you insert your car key. It is used to start the engine and send electrical current to the starter. However it isn't immune to wear like other parts of the car. The switch can also become stuck in its place or become locked. You should be looking for issues regularly to identify the problem before the car won't start.

If your key seems to struggle to turn or gets stuck in the ignition, it may be locked. This is a common problem for a variety of vehicles and occurs due to a lack lubrication. Using a graphite or silicone-based oil on the release pin could aid. Spray some lubricant into the ignition, then move the key. If it's still stuck employ a piler or hacksaw blade to assist in moving it.

A problem with the ignition could cause a host of other issues, too. The anti-theft feature may not work or the starter motor might not be able to turn on when you insert the key. It could also cause other functions to lose power or cease to function at all.

A malfunctioning ignition could cause additional wear and tear on other parts. If you have a keychain with multiple items, or a large one, this can stress the ignition switch, which can cause wear on the internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations can affect the materials and lubricants in the ignition switch.

It is crucial to test the replacement ignition switch prior to assembling the other parts and the steering column. Make sure the replacement works and that the engine is running without issue. Double-check the compatibility of the new ignition switch with the vehicle's model and make. It could be worth it to have a dealership install the ignition switch for you if aren't sure about your ability to do so. They will also test the replacement and install any other components that need to be connected or replaced.