How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems

If your vehicle starts and runs but the ignition switch isn't able to turn on the spark plugs, there may be a variety of reasons. Some are easy and inexpensive to fix, while others require specialized equipment and the assistance of mechanics.

First, you need to lubricate the socket that holds the key. You can make use of graphite powder or silicon spray. Also, make sure the ignition cylinder is free of any obstructions and loose springs.

Battery

It could be that your battery is dying if your car isn't starting. This is a common issue that can be fixed by a jump or charging the battery. If this doesn't solve the problem, your ignition switch may be defective. This component is responsible for transferring battery power to other electrical components such as the starter motor and the ignition coil. If the ignition switch is defective it won't permit current to flow through it and the engine will not start.

The battery is the primary source of electrical energy in your vehicle. It's a dark box with positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on the top. The terminals can be corrosion-prone, which can stop the battery from providing electricity to the rest of the vehicle. You can clean the battery's terminals by disconnecting the battery and using a wire brush to get rid of any corrosion. You can also apply a baking soda solution to clean the terminals.

It's possible that your vehicle's battery has just reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced. A new battery will supply the correct voltage to your vehicle's spark plugs which is necessary to ensure that your engine is running properly.

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

You may have to replace the starter motor too. If you hear a grating sound when you turn on your ignition, it means that the bearings within the starter are starting to wear out. It is a costly repair, so it is recommended to replace your starter motor when you begin to begin to notice signs of wear. Changing the starter motor is an easy task that requires the replacement of some bolts and Fix Car Ignition parts.

Alternator

The alternator is a device that recharges your battery while your engine is running. It also provides power to your car ignition lock's electrical parts. Test the battery first if you suspect your alternator may be malfunctioning. This will allow you to determine if your alternator is draining the battery or if your battery is old and needs replacement.

The alternator in your car also provides the power to the dash lights, windshield wipers as well as electric steering, power windows as well as heated seats and your radio even when the car is running. You can use a voltmeter test your battery and alternator to determine the proper voltage levels. If your battery is less than 6 volts, then it needs to be replaced or charged immediately. A dead or low-volt battery will also prevent the starter from turning the engine over, and will require additional jumper cables to begin your vehicle.

Before you begin removing the Alternator, turn off the ignition and lock all doors. Also, disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then tuck it away in a safe location and put on safety gear. Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual for guidance on how to access the alternator, as well as any other components you'll need to take off.

If your vehicle is equipped with a warning light wire, you can remove it from the side of the generator after taking off the belt. The wire will connect directly to an alternator terminal marked WL or IN. Certain vehicles have a separate relay to perform this function. If your warning light doesn't blink, it's likely to be an issue with your vehicle.

You should regularly inspect your alternator for signs of malfunction. You can do some of these checks by yourself, however it is best to bring your vehicle into Les Schwab so that they can inspect it and give you expert advice. Our trained technicians can examine your battery posts, battery (the terminals that are marked + and +) for corrosion relays, fuses and voltage output as well as cold cranking amps and more to determine what the issue is.

Starter Motor

The starter motor is a crucial element of the ignition system. It is responsible for turning over the engine so that it can draw in air, which is required to ignite the fuel. When your car won't start it is often due to a problem with the starter motor. There are a few troubleshooting techniques to help you determine the issue and resolve it.

When you turn the key in the ignition of your vehicle the switch inside the starter engages with a pinion gear that fits into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel, which then starts the engine. The gear retracts when you remove the key, thereby preventing damage.

There are a variety of things that can go wrong with the starter motor including an electrical failure in the internal windings, mechanical issues (such as teeth no longer meshing on the pinion gear or flywheel) or a dead battery. A malfunctioning starter motor may sound like a dead cell phone battery. It will make a clicking sound when it tries to turn the engine.

If the starter motor isn't working, one of the first things a mechanic will check is the state of charge on the battery and its terminals. If the battery is low or has corrosion on its terminals, it will require charging or replaced.

Depending on the extent of the problem The mechanic can also test the starter solenoid with a multimeter. The solenoid is a large magnetic switch that sends the power of the thick battery cables to the starter. The switch connects the long cable from the battery to windings in the starter which turns the motor. It also pushes a rod to actuate an engaging fork that pushes the pinion to automatically engage with flywheel.

A jumper wire can be used to bypass the ignition. This is only a temporary solution, and it isn't recommended unless you know how to do it correctly. You'll need to be careful about routing the jumper wire to the battery terminals and be sure the switch is in the "Start" position.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is where you insert your car key. It is used to start the engine and send electrical current to the starter. However, it is not immune to wear like other components of the car. The switch could also become stuck inside its slot or get locked. It's important to check it regularly for problems so that you can act before the car stops working.

It could have been locked if the key is difficult to turn or gets stuck in the ignition. This is a typical issue for many vehicles and is due to a lack lubrication. Using a graphite or silicone-based grease on the pin that releases the key can help. Spray some lubricant into the ignition and then turn the key. If it's stuck, use a piler or hacksaw blade to assist in moving it.

An ignition problem could cause a host of other issues as well. The anti-theft device may stop working, or the starter motor may not turn on when you put the key in. This can cause secondary functions to stop working or stop functioning.

A damaged ignition may cause additional wear and tear on other parts. If you own a keychain with multiple items, or a large one, this could stress the ignition switch and accelerate wear on the internal components. Extreme temperature changes can also affect the materials and lubricants used in the ignition switch.

It is important to test the new ignition switch prior to reassembling other parts and the steering column. Make sure the replacement ignition switch functions and that the engine starts smoothly. Verify the compatibility of the new ignition switch with your vehicle model and make. It might be worth it to hire a dealership to 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 parts that require to be connected or replaced.