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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems

There are a myriad of reasons your car might run and start, but the ignition doesn't turn on the spark plugs. Some are simple and cheap to repair, while others require specialized equipment and assistance of a mechanic.

Lubricate the socket before you use it. You can apply graphite powder or silicon aerosol spray. Make sure that the ignition cylinder is clean and has no loose springs or obstructions.

Battery

It could be that your battery is dying if your car isn't starting. This is a common issue that can be solved with an extra jump or charging the battery. If this doesn't fix the issue your ignition switch could be bad. This component is responsible for transferring battery power to other electrical components, such as the starter motor as well as the ignition coil. If the ignition switch is damaged, it won't allow current to flow through it and the engine won't start.

The battery is the main source of electrical energy in your vehicle. The battery is a black box that has 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. Clean the battery's terminals by disconnecting the battery and using a wire brush to get rid of any corrosion. You can also clean the terminals with baking soda as a solution.

It is possible that your vehicle's battery is at the end of its lifespan and is in need of replacement. A new battery will supply the correct voltage to your vehicle's spark plugs, which is required for a properly working engine.

The ignition coil converts the battery's low voltage into high voltage to spark the spark plugs of your car, and to start the engine. If your ignition coil is not working properly, it will not be able spark the plugs. 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 is turning.

You may also need to replace the starter motor. If you hear a grinding sound when you turn on your ignition, this means that the starter bearings are deteriorating. It could be a costly repair so it is best to replace your starter motor when you begin to detect signs of wear. The starter motor can be changed by replacing the bolts and parts.

Alternator

The alternator is an appliance that charges your battery when your engine is running. It also provides power to your car's electrical parts. Test the battery first if you suspect your alternator may be malfunctioning. This will enable you to determine if the alternator is draining the battery or if your battery is old and in need of replacement.

When 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, heated seats, and the power windows. A voltmeter can be utilized to test the voltage of your alternator and battery. If your battery is below 6 volts, then it needs to be replaced or charged as soon as possible. A dead or weak battery can also stop the starter motor from cranking the engine, and will require more jumper cables to start your car.

Before you begin to dismantle the Alternator, turn off the ignition and lock all doors. It is also important to disconnect the negative cable from the battery, tuck it away somewhere safe and put on the safety gear. Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual for instructions on how to access the alternator as well as any other parts you need to remove.

After you've removed the belt, if your car is equipped with one take off the warning light wire from the side of the alternator. This wire will connect directly to an alternator terminal marked WL or IN. Some vehicles have a separate relay to perform this function. If your warning light doesn't come on, you should suspect a different problem.

You should regularly inspect your alternator for any signs of malfunction. You can do some of these checks yourself, but it is recommended to bring your vehicle to Les Schwab so they can look it over and provide you with expert advice. Our highly trained technicians can test your battery, battery posts (the terminals marked + and -) for corrosion and fuses, relays as well as voltage output as well as cold cranking amps and more to determine what the problem is.

Starter Motor

The starter motor is an essential component of the ignition system. It turns the engine over to allow air to be sucked in which will ignite the fuel. When your car won't start it's typically due to a malfunction in the starter motor. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting techniques that can aid in diagnosing and fixing the problem.

When you turn on your car's ignition key, a switch within the starter engages a pinion-gear that fits into grooves in the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel that starts the engine. When you release the key the pinion gear retracts and is released from the flywheel to prevent damage.

There are a myriad of things that can be wrong with the starter motor including an electrical failure in the internal windings, a mechanical issue (such as teeth no longer meshing with the flywheel or pinion gear) or a dead battery. Often, a defective starter motor can sound like a dead battery; it'll make a clicking noise 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 will check is the state of charge on the battery and its terminals. If the battery is damaged or is depleted it must be recharged or replaced.

Depending on the severity of the issue, the mechanic may also test the starter solenoid with a multimeter. The solenoid is a huge magnet switch, sends an electric current from the thick batteries cables to the starter. The switch connects the long battery cable to the windings inside the starter that activate the electric motor as well as it pulls a rod that actuates an engaging fork, which will then push the gear that pinions to automatically engage with the flywheel.

Another option is to bypass the ignition switch with a jumper wire. This is a temporary fix, and you should not try it unless confident about how to do it. You'll need to be careful about routing the jumper wire through the battery terminals and be sure the switch is set to the "Start" position.

Ignition Switch





The ignition switch is where you insert your car key. This will allow electrical flow to your starter and then start the engine, but it's not immune to wear and tear as other parts of your car. The switch may also become stuck in its slot or even locked. You should be looking for issues regularly to identify the problem before the car won't start.

If your key is a struggle to turn or it is stuck in the ignition, it could be locked. This is a common problem for many vehicles and is because of a lack of lubrication. Using a silicone or graphite-based lubricant on the release pin could help. Spray some lubricant onto the ignition, then move the key. If you're stuck then try using a piler or hacksaw blade.

An issue with the ignition may cause other issues. The anti-theft feature could not function or the starter motor might not be able to turn on when you insert the key. It could also cause other functions to stop working or cease to function at all.

A damaged ignition switch could cause a lot of extra wear and tear on other components. If you have keys that have multiple items, or a bulky one, it can stress the ignition switch and accelerate wear on the internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations can affect the lubricants and materials in the ignition switch.

Once ignition key repair have a replacement ignition switch, it's important to test it prior reassembling the steering column and other parts. Make sure that the switch works and that your engine starts without any issues. Double-check the compatibility of the new ignition switch with your vehicle model and model. It may be worthwhile to get a dealership to install the ignition switch for you if you are not confident about your ability to install it. They can also test and connect other components or even replace them.