How to Fix car ignition switch; Recommended Looking at, Problems

If your car is running and starts, but the ignition switch won't turn over the spark plugs, there may be a myriad of reasons for this. Some are easy and inexpensive to repair, while others require specialized equipment and help of a mechanic.

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

Battery

If your car won't start, it could be due to the battery being dead. This is a frequent issue that can be solved with charging the battery or making the jump. If this doesn't fix the issue, your ignition switch may be bad. This component is responsible for transferring power from the battery to other electrical components such as the starter motor as well as the ignition coil. If the ignition switch is defective, it won't allow current to pass through and the engine won't start.

The battery is responsible for all the electrical energy you use in your car. The battery is a black box with positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on the top. The terminals may become damaged, preventing the battery from providing power to the rest the vehicle. By disconnecting the battery, you can make use of a wire bristle to get rid of any corrosion. You can also use baking soda as a solution to clean the terminals.

It is possible that your vehicle's battery is at the end of its lifespan and requires replacement. A new battery will supply the proper voltage to your vehicle’s spark plugs. This is necessary for a properly functioning engine.

The ignition coil is responsible for turning low voltage from the battery to high voltage that can ignite the spark plugs of your car to start the engine. If the ignition coil is faulty and is not able to spark the plugs and your engine won't start. The ignition coil can be tested by examining the engine for sparks or turning the key to see whether it is turning.

It is possible to replace the starter motor, too. If you hear a grinding sound when you turn on your ignition, it means that the bearings within the starter are starting to wear out. This could be a costly repair, therefore it is recommended to replace the starter motor early on when you see any signs of wear and tear. It's an easy task that requires replacing the bolts and a few components.

Alternator

The alternator is an appliance that charges your battery when your engine is running. It also is the power source for your car's electrical components. Test the battery first if you suspect that your alternator may be malfunctioning. This will allow you to determine if your alternator is draining the battery or if the battery is old and requires replacement.

While the vehicle is idle the alternator is able to supply power to the dash lights and radio. It also provides power to the windshield wipers, the power windows, electric steering, the heated seats, and the power windows. You can use a voltmeter check your battery and the alternator for the proper voltage levels. If your battery has less than 6 volts it should be replaced or charged right away. A dead or low-volt battery can also stop the starter from turning the engine over and will require additional jumper cables to start your car.

Before you begin dismantling the alternator, switch off the ignition and secure all doors. Also, disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then tuck it away in a safe place and put on safety equipment. Check out a specific vehicle repair manual for instructions on how to access the alternator and any other parts you need to take off.

If your car has a warning light wire, you can disconnect it from the back of the generator after removing the belt. It will typically connect directly to a terminal on the alternator that is marked either WL or IND. Certain vehicles, however, have a separate relay for this function. If your warning light does not come on, you should be able to identify a different issue.

The alternator is an essential component of your vehicle, and you must examine it regularly for signs of trouble. While you can do some of the checks by yourself, you should bring your vehicle to Les Schwab for a free inspection and expert advice. Our technicians can check for corrosion on your battery, battery posts (+ and -) and relays, fuses, as well as voltage output as well as cold starting amps and more.

Starter Motor

The starter motor is a crucial element of the ignition system. It rotates the engine to allow air to be drawn in and ignite the fuel. If your car won't start, it's usually due to a malfunction in the starter motor. There are many methods of troubleshooting that can be used to aid in diagnosing and fixing the issue.

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

The starter motor could be affected by a number of things, such as a mechanical problem (such as teeth not lining up on the flywheel) or dead cells. A faulty starter motor can sound like a dead cell phone battery. It can make a clicking sound as it tries but cannot turn the engine over.

If the starter motor doesn't work, one of the first things a mechanic would examine is the condition of charge of the battery and its terminals. If the battery has corrosion or is low it needs to be charged or replaced.

Depending on the degree of the problem, the mechanic may also test the solenoid on the starter using a multimeter. The solenoid is a large magnetic switch that delivers a rush of power from the thick battery cables to the starter. This switch essentially connects the thick battery cable to the wires inside the starter that activate the electric motor, plus it pushes an actuator rod that turns on an engaging fork that in turn pushes the gear that pinions to automatically engage with the flywheel.

Another option is to disable the ignition switch by using a jumper wire. This is a temporary option but it shouldn't be recommended unless you're able to do it correctly. You'll need to take care to route your jumper wires to the battery terminals, and then make sure that the switch is in the "Start position".

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is the place where you insert your car keys. This will allow electrical flow to your starter and then start the engine, however it's not immune to wear and tear as other car parts. The switch may also become stuck in its place or become locked. It is important to regularly check it for issues so you can act prior to the car not starting.

If your key seems to struggle to turn or is stuck in the ignition, it could be locked. This is a typical issue for a variety of vehicles and occurs due to a lack of lubrication. Using a graphite or silicone-based lubricant on the release pin could help. Spray a little into the ignition and try moving the key. If it's still stuck, make use of a piler or a hacksaw blade to help move it.

An ignition issue could cause a host of other issues, too. The anti-theft device may stop working, or the starter motor might not turn on when you put the key in. This can also cause the secondary functions to stop working or cease to function.

A malfunctioning ignition could cause extra wear and tear to other components. For instance, if you have a heavy keychain or multiple items on your keychain, it can strain the ignition switch when you insert it in and can accelerate the wear on its internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations may affect the materials and lubricants used in the ignition switch.

Once you have a replacement lost ignition key switch, you need to test it prior to assembling the steering column and the other components. Make sure that the switch works and that your engine is running without issue. Verify the compatibility of the new ignition switch with your car's model and make. It could be worth it to have a dealership install the ignition switch for you, if you aren't sure about your ability to do so. They can also test and connect other parts or even replace them.