How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems

If your car starts and runs, but the ignition switch isn't able to turn over the spark plugs, there could be a variety of reasons for this. Some are simple and cheap to fix, while others require specialized equipment and help of an expert mechanic.

Lubricate the key socket first. You can apply graphite powder or silicon spray. Also, make sure the ignition cylinder is free of obstructions and springs that are loose.

Battery

It could be that your battery is dying if your car isn't starting. This is a common problem that can be solved with a battery charge or a jump. If this doesn't fix the issue, your ignition switch may be bad. This component carries battery power to the other electrical components, including the starter motor and the ignition coil. If the ignition switch is damaged it won't permit current to flow through and the engine won't begin.

The battery is the main source of electrical energy in your vehicle. The battery is a black, slender box that has positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on the top. The terminals could become corroded and prevent the battery from supplying power to the rest the vehicle. By disconnecting the battery you can make use of a wire bristle to remove any corrosion. You can also apply baking soda as a solution to help clean the terminals.

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 which is necessary to ensure that your engine is running properly.

The ignition coil converts low voltage from your battery into high voltage, which causes it to ignite the spark plugs inside your car and 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 looking for a spark inside the engine or turning the key to see whether the engine spins.

You may also need to replace your starter motor. If you hear a grinding sound as you turn the ignition key it means that the starter bearings are worn out. It could be a costly repair so it is best to replace your starter motor when you begin to begin to notice signs of wear. The starter motor can be changed by replacing a few bolts and components.

Alternator

The alternator charges your battery and also powers the electrical components of your car while the engine is running. If you suspect that there is a problem with your alternator you should test the battery first. This will help you determine whether your alternator is causing your battery to drain or your battery is old and requires to be replaced.

Your car's alternator also provides power for the dash lights, windshield wipers, electric steering, power windows, heated seats and your radio even when the vehicle is idling. You can use a voltage meter to check your battery and the alternator for the proper voltage levels. If your battery is less than 6 volts, it must be replaced or charged immediately. A low or dead battery can also stop the starter motor from cranking the engine and will require more jumper cables to get your car ignition key replacement started.

Before you begin removing the Alternator, turn off the ignition and lock all doors. Also, disconnect the negative cable from the battery, tuck it away somewhere safe and put on safety gear. Consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle for directions on how to remove the alternator, or any other component.

Once you've removed the belt, if your vehicle is equipped with one take off the warning light wire from the back of the alternator. This wire will usually connect directly to an alternator's terminal that is marked either WL or IND. Some vehicles, however, have a separate relay for this purpose. If the warning light doesn't appear, you must be able to identify a different issue.

The alternator is an essential component in your vehicle, and you must examine it regularly for signs of trouble. While you could perform some of the checks by yourself, you should bring your vehicle to Les Schwab for a no-cost inspection and expert advice. Our highly trained technicians can test your battery, battery posts (the terminals marked + and -) for corrosion, fuses, relays, 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 suck into air, which is required to ignite the fuel. If your car isn't starting, it's typically due to a malfunction in the starter motor. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting techniques that can be used to assist you in identifying and fixing the problem.

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 is then turned the flywheel, which in turn starts the engine. When you release the key, the pinion gear retracts and is released from the flywheel to avoid damage.

The starter motor may be affected by a variety of factors, including a mechanical problem (such as teeth not meshing on the flywheel) or a dead cell. A defective starter motor can sound like a dead battery. it will make a clicking sound as it tries to turn over the engine but can't.

If the starter motor doesn't work, one of the first things a mechanic would look at is the state of charge of the battery and its terminals. If the battery is corroded or is not functioning properly, it will need to charged or replaced.

Depending on how severe the issue is, the mechanic could test the solenoid by using a multimeter. The solenoid is a huge magnet switch, delivers a surge of power from the thick batteries cables to the starter. The switch connects the long cable from the battery to starter's windings that turn the motor. It also pushes an axis rod to trigger an engaging fork that pushes the pinion to automatically engage the flywheel.

A jumper wire can be used to bypass the ignition. This is only an interim solution that you should not try it unless sure how to do it. You'll need to take care to connect your jumper wires to the battery terminals, and make sure that the switch is in the "Start position".

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is where you insert your keys into the car ignition barrel replacement. The system uses this to start the engine and send electrical current to the starter. However it isn't immune to wear and tear like other components of the car. The switch can also become stuck in its slot or locked. It is important to check for issues frequently to be able to act before the car ignition switch won't start.

If your key seems to struggle to turn, or gets stuck in the ignition, it could have been locked. This is a common problem for many vehicles and happens because of a lack of lubrication. You can apply a graphite- or silicone-based grease to lubricate the release pin. Spray a bit of it into the ignition, and then try moving the key. If it's stuck you can try using a hacksaw or piler blade.

An ignition problem can lead to a number of other issues as well. The anti-theft feature may not work or the starter motor could not turn on when you insert the key. This could also cause the other functions to stop functioning or cease to function.

A damaged ignition may cause extra wear and tear to other components. For instance, if carry a bulky keychain, or several items on your keychain it could strain the ignition switch when you plug it in and accelerate the wear on its internal components. Extreme temperature changes can also affect the materials and lubricants used in the ignition switch.

If you've purchased a replacement ignition cylinder lock repair switch, you need to test it prior to assembling the steering column and the other components. Make sure the replacement works and that your engine is running without issue. Also, make sure the new ignition switch is compatible with your vehicle's model and model. It could be worth it to have a dealership install the ignition switch for you if you aren't confident in your ability to install it. They can also test and connect any other components or replace them.