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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems





There are a variety of reasons your car might start and run but the ignition won't turn on the spark plugs. Some are easy and cheap to fix, while others require specialized tools and assistance from an expert mechanic.

Lubricate the key socket first. You can apply graphite powder or silicon spray. Make sure that the ignition cylinder is free of no loose springs or obstructions.

Battery

It could be that your battery is dead when your car won't start. This is a common problem that can be solved by getting an extra jump or charging the battery. If this doesn't fix the problem the ignition switch could be bad. This component supplies battery power to the other electrical components, like the starter motor and the ignition coil. If the ignition switch is damaged it is not able to allow current pass through and the engine will not start.

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

The battery in your car could be nearing the end of its life and will require replacement. A new battery will provide the right voltage to your vehicle's spark plugs. This is necessary for a functioning engine.

The ignition coil converts low voltage from your battery into high voltage, which causes it to ignite the spark plugs in your car, and to start the engine. If the ignition coil is defective and is not capable of sparking the plugs, and the engine won't start. You can test the ignition coil by checking for a spark in the engine or turning the key to see whether the engine spins.

You may have 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 beginning to wear out. It is a costly repair, so it is recommended to replace your starter motor when you begin to detect signs of wear. Changing the starter motor is an easy task that involves replacing a few parts and bolts.

Alternator

The alternator is an instrument that charges your battery when your engine is running. It also is the power source for your car's electrical components. If you suspect a problem with your alternator, you should test the battery first. This will allow you to determine if your alternator draining the battery, or if your battery is old and needs replacement.

The alternator in your car also provides the power to the dashboard lights, windshield wipers and electric steering, power windows, heated seats and your radio even when the vehicle is idle. A voltmeter can be used to test the voltage of your alternator and battery. If your battery's voltage is lower than 6 volts, it should be charged or replaced immediately. A dead or low-volt battery can also stop the starter from turning the engine over and may require additional jumper cables to begin your car.

Before you begin removing the alternator, switch off the ignition and lock all doors. Remove the negative cable and store it safely. Wear safety gear. Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual for guidance on how to gain access to the alternator as well as any other components you'll need to take off.

Once you've removed the belt, if your car has one take off the warning light wire from the back of the alternator. This wire will usually connect directly to the alternator's terminal that's labeled either WL or IND. Some vehicles, however, have a separate relay to perform this function. If your warning light doesn't appear, it is likely to be an issue that is not related to the one you are experiencing.

You should check regularly your alternator for any signs of malfunction. While you can do some of the tests by yourself, you should bring your vehicle into Les Schwab for a complimentary inspection and expert advice. Our technicians can test for corrosion on your battery, battery posts (+ and +) and relays, fuses, as well as voltage output, cold starting amps, and much more.

Starter Motor

The starter motor is a crucial component in the ignition system. It turns the engine to allow air to be sucked in which will ignite the fuel. When your car won't start it's usually due to a malfunction in the starter motor. There are several ways to troubleshoot that can help you diagnose the issue and resolve it.

When you turn the key on the ignition of your vehicle, a switch in the starter engages with the pinion gear, which fits into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel, which then starts the engine. When you release the key the pinion gear retracts and disconnects from the flywheel to avoid damage.

There are a variety of things that can go wrong in the starter motor, including an electrical failure in the internal windings, a mechanical issue (such as teeth no longer meshing on the flywheel or pinion gear) or a dead battery. A damaged starter motor could sound like a dead phone battery. It can make a clunk sound as it attempts to turn the engine over.

If the starter motor doesn't work One of the first things a mechanic should examine is the condition of charge of the battery and its terminals. If ignition lock cylinder repair has corrosion or is not functioning properly it must be recharged or replaced.

Depending on the severity of the issue, the mechanic could examine the solenoid of the starter with a multimeter. The solenoid is a large magnetic switch that sends the power of the battery cables that are thick to the starter. The switch connects the long cable from the battery to starter's windings that turns the motor. It also triggers an axis rod to trigger an engaging fork that pushes the pinion to automatically engage with flywheel.

Another option is to bypass the ignition switch by using the jumper wire. This is only an interim solution and you shouldn't attempt it unless you are confident about how to do it. You'll need to route the jumper wire through the battery terminals, and ensure that the switch is set to the "Start" position.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is the place where you insert your key into the car. It is used to start the engine and to send electric current to the starter. However it isn't immune to wear and tear like other parts of the car. The switch could also become stuck inside its slot or become locked. It's important to check it regularly for problems so that you can take action prior to the car not starting.

It could have been locked if your key is difficult to turn or gets stuck in the ignition. This issue is common in vehicles because of a lack lubrication. You can apply a graphite- or silicone-based lubricant to lubricate the release pin. Spray some lubricant into the ignition, and then move the key. If it's stuck, make use of a piler or a hacksaw blade to assist in moving it.

A problem with the ignition can cause a variety of other issues as well. The anti-theft system might not function or the starter motor might not start when you plug in the key. It could also cause other functions to stop working or cease to function at all.

A damaged ignition switch could also leave you with lots of wear and tear on other parts. For instance, if have a large keychain or multiple items on your keychain it could strain the ignition switch when you plug it in, and could increase the wear and tear on its internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations may affect the lubricants and materials used in the ignition switch.

If you've got a new ignition switch, it's important to test it before reassembling the steering column and other components. Make sure the replacement ignition switch is working and that your engine starts smoothly. Double-check the compatibility of the new ignition switch with your car's model and make. If you're not sure of your ability to install a new ignition switch, it might be worth hiring a dealership service shop to do it for you. They can also test and connect other parts or replace them.