How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems

If your vehicle starts and runs but the ignition switch won't switch over the spark plugs, there may be a number of reasons. Some are simple and inexpensive to fix, whereas others require specialized equipment and the assistance of a mechanic.

First, lubricate the key socket. You can use either graphite powder or silicon aerosol spray. Also, ensure that the ignition cylinder is free of obstructions and springs that are loose.

Battery

If your car won't start it could be because your battery is dead. This is a frequent issue that can be solved with either charging your battery or an electrical jump. 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 not working properly it is not able to allow current be passed through, and the engine will not begin.

The battery is the main source of electrical energy in your vehicle. The battery is a black box that has positive (+) and negatively (-) terminals on the top. The terminals can be corrosion-prone, which can stop the battery from supplying 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 apply a baking soda solution to help clean the terminals.

Your car's battery could be at the end of its life and need to be replaced. A new battery will supply the right voltage to your vehicle’s spark plugs. This is essential for a functioning engine.

The ignition coil converts the battery's low voltage into high voltage, which causes it to ignite the spark plugs inside your car and start the engine. If your ignition coil is not working properly it won't be able to ignite the plugs. The engine will not start. The ignition coil can be tested by examining the engine for a spark or turning the key to determine if it turns over.

You may need to replace the starter motor as well. If you hear a grinding sound when you turn on your ignition, it is a sign that the bearings inside the starter are starting to wear out. This can be a costly fix, so it's recommended to replace the motor of your starter early in the event that you notice signs of wear and wear and tear. The starter motor can be replaced by replacing a few bolts and parts.

Alternator

The alternator is the one that charges your battery and powers the electrical parts of your car when the engine is running. Check the battery first if you suspect your alternator is malfunctioning. This will help you determine if the alternator is draining the battery, or if your battery is old and in need of replacement.

While the vehicle is in idle the alternator supplies power to the dash lights and radio. It also powers the windshield wipers as well as the power windows, electric steering, the heated seats and the power windows. You can use a voltmeter to examine your battery and alternator for proper voltage levels. If your battery's voltage is lower than 6 volts, it should be replaced or charged right away. Batteries that are dead or not charged will also prevent the starter from turning over the engine and may require additional jumper cables to start your car.

Before you begin removing the Alternator, shut off the ignition and lock all doors. Also, disconnect the negative cable from the battery, and then put it away in a safe location and put on the safety equipment. Consult a vehicle's 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 has a warning light wire, you can disconnect it from the back of the generator after taking off the belt. The wire will connect directly to an alternator connector marked WL or IN. Some vehicles, however have a separate relay to perform this function. If your warning light doesn't appear, you must suspect a different problem.

You should check regularly your alternator for any indications of malfunction. While you could perform some of the tests on your own, it's recommended to bring your vehicle into Les Schwab for a no-cost inspection and expert advice. Our technicians will test for corrosion on your battery, battery posts (+ and +), fuses, relays and voltage output as well as cold starting amps and many more.

Starter Motor

The starter motor is a crucial component in the ignition system. It is responsible for turning the engine so that it can draw into air, which is required to ignite the fuel. If your car won't start, it's typically due to a problem with the starter motor. There are a number of troubleshooting techniques that can help you identify the issue and fix it.

When you turn the key on the ignition of your vehicle the switch inside the starter turns on a pinion gear that fits into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel which initiates the engine. When you release the key the pinion gear retracts and disengages from the flywheel to avoid damage.

There are a myriad of things that can cause problems with the starter motor for example, an electrical issue in the internal windings, mechanical issues (such as teeth no longer connecting to the pinion gear or flywheel) or a dead battery. A damaged starter motor could sound like a dead cell phone battery. It will make a clicking sound as it attempts to turn the engine around.

The charge level and the battery's terminals will be checked by a mechanic if the starter motor doesn't work. If the battery is not fully charged or has rust on its terminals, it will need to be charged or replaced.

Depending on how severe the issue is, the mechanic can also test the solenoid with a multimeter. The solenoid is a huge magnet switch, transmits an electric current from the battery cables to the starter. This switch basically connects the thick battery cable to windings within the starter that activate the electric motor, plus it pushes the rod, which turns an engaging fork that in turn pushes the pinion gear to automatically engage with the flywheel.

A jumper wire can be used to bypass the ignition. This is only a temporary solution but it shouldn't be recommended unless you are able to perform it correctly. You'll need to be careful to connect your jumper wires the battery terminals, and make sure that the switch is in the "Start position".

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is the place where you insert your car key ignition replacement. This switch is used by the system to start the engine and send an electrical current to the starter. However, it is not immune to wear and tear like other components of the car ignition barrel replacement. The switch can also become stuck in its slot or even locked. It is important to check for issues regularly so you can act before the car stops working.

If your key is experiencing a struggle to turn or gets stuck in the ignition, it might be locked. This problem occurs in many vehicles due to a lack of grease. Using some graphite or silicone-based oil on the release pin could aid. Spray some lubricant into the ignition, then move the key. If you're stuck you can try using a hacksaw or piler blade.

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

A malfunctioning ignition switch could cause a lot of wear and tear on other parts. For instance, if have a heavy keychain, or several items on your keychain, it could strain the ignition switch when you put it in and can accelerate the wear on its internal components. Extreme temperature changes can also impact the materials and lubricants used in the ignition switch.

It's important to test the new ignition switch prior to assembling the other parts and the steering column. Check that the replacement is working and that the engine starts without issues. Also, make sure the new ignition switch is compatible with your vehicle's make and model. It could be worth it to get a dealership to install the ignition switch for you, if you aren't sure about your ability to install it. They can also test the replacement and install any other components that need to be connected or replaced.