How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems
There are many reasons why your car may run and start but the ignition won't turn on the spark plugs. Some are easy and cheap to fix, others require special tools and assistance from a mechanic.
The first step is to lubricate the socket that holds the key. You can apply graphite powder, or a silicon aerosol spray. Also, make sure the ignition cylinder is free of obstructions and springs that are loose.
Battery
If your car won't start, it could be due to the battery being dead. This is a common problem that can be solved with a battery charge or the jump. If this doesn't fix the problem your ignition switch could be defective. This component carries battery power to other electrical components, like the starter motor and the ignition coil. If the ignition switch is faulty it won't permit current to flow through it and the engine won't begin.
The battery is the source of all electrical energy in your vehicle. It's a black, insulated box with positive (+) and negative (-) terminals that are on top. The terminals can become damaged, preventing the battery from providing electricity to the rest of the vehicle. By disconnecting the battery, you can make use of a wire bristle to get rid of any corrosion. You can also clean the terminals with baking soda.
It's also possible that your car's battery is nearing the end of its life and needs to be replaced. A new battery will supply the correct voltage to your vehicle's spark plugs. This is crucial for a properly functioning engine.
The ignition coil converts low voltage from your battery into high voltage to spark the spark plugs in your car, and to start the engine. If the ignition coil is damaged 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 inside the engine or turning the key and seeing if the engine turns over.
You might also have to replace the starter motor. If you hear a grinding sound when you turn your ignition key it means that the starter bearings are deteriorating. This could be a costly repair, so it's recommended to replace the starter motor early on when you see any signs of wear and wear. The starter motor can be replaced by replacing a few bolts and components.
Alternator
The alternator is an appliance that charges your battery while your engine is running. It also powers your car's electrical components. Test the battery first if you suspect that your alternator may be malfunctioning. This will help you determine if your alternator is causing the battery to deplete or if your battery is simply old and requires to be replaced.
When the vehicle is idle the alternator is able to supply power to the dash lights and radio. It also powers the windshield wipers, the power windows, the electric steering, the heated seats, and the power windows. 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 low or dead batteries can also stop the starter from turning the engine on, and will require additional jumper cables to start your car.
Before you begin removing the alternator, switch off the ignition and lock all doors. Also, disconnect the negative cable from the battery, and then put it away somewhere safe and put on safety gear. Check out a specific vehicle repair manual to learn how to access the alternator and any other parts you need to remove.
If your vehicle has a warning light wire, you can disconnect it from the back of the generator following taking off the belt. This wire will connect directly to the alternator terminal identified WL or IN. Some vehicles, however, have an additional relay for this purpose. If your warning light doesn't appear, it is likely that there is a different issue.
It is recommended to regularly check your alternator for any signs of malfunction. You can do certain of these tests yourself, but it is best to bring your car to Les Schwab so that they can inspect it and give you expert advice. Our certified technicians will test your battery posts, battery (the terminals that are marked + and -) for corrosion and fuses, relays, voltage output as well as cold cranking amps and more to determine what the problem is.
Starter Motor
The starter motor is a crucial element of the ignition system. It turns the engine over so that air can be drawn in and ignite the fuel. When your car won't start it is often due to a malfunction in the starter motor. There are a number of troubleshooting techniques to help you determine the issue and resolve it.
When you turn on your vehicle's ignition, a switch on the starter engages with the pinion gear, which fits into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel which begins the engine. When you release the key, the pinion gear retracts, and disconnects from the flywheel to prevent damage.
The starter motor can be affected by a number of factors, including mechanical problems (such as teeth not lining up on the flywheel) or dead cells. A damaged starter motor could sound like a dead cell phone battery. It will make a clicking sound when it tries but cannot turn the engine.
The condition of the battery and the terminals of the battery will be checked by a mechanic in the event that the starter motor does not work. If the battery is not fully charged or has corrosion on its terminals it will require charging or replaced.
Depending on the severity of the issue, the mechanic may also examine the solenoid of the starter with a multimeter. The solenoid is a massive magnetic switch that sends a rush of power from the battery cables that are long and thick to the starter. The switch connects the thick battery cable to windings within the starter that turn the electric motor, plus it pushes an actuator rod that turns on an engaging fork which is then pushed by the gear pinion to automatically engage with the flywheel.
Another option is to bypass the ignition switch by using a jumper wire. This is a temporary fix and you shouldn't try it unless you're confident about how to do it. You'll need to be careful 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 where you insert your keys into the car. This will enable electrical flow to your starter and start up the engine, but it's not immune to wear and tear like other car components. The switch may also become stuck in its slot or even locked. It is essential to check it frequently for problems so that you can take action before the car stops working.
If your key is experiencing a struggle to turn, or is stuck in the ignition, it could be locked. This is a common issue for many vehicles and is because of a lack of lubrication. You can apply a graphite- or silicone-based grease to lubricate the release pin. Spray some lubricant onto the ignition and then turn the key. If it's still stuck, make use of a piler or a hacksaw blade to help move it.
An issue with the ignition could cause other issues. The anti-theft device may not function, or the starter motor may not crank when you put the key. It could also cause other functions to lose power or cease to function altogether.
A malfunctioning ignition switch could also leave you with lots of wear and tear on other components. If car ignition switch repair with many items, or a bulky one, this could stress the ignition switch and increase wear on the internal components. Extreme temperature changes can also impact the materials and lubricants used in the ignition switch.
Once you have a replacement ignition switch, it's crucial to test it before reassembling the steering column and other parts. Make sure that the switch works and that your engine starts without any issues. It is also important to confirm that the new ignition switch is compatible with your vehicle's make and model. If you're unsure of your ability to install an ignition switch that is new, it might be worth employing a dealership service shop to do it for you. They can also test and connect other components or replace them.