11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Okay To Make With Your Fix Car Ignition

How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems

There are a variety of reasons your car may start and run, but the ignition doesn't start the spark plugs. Some are simple and inexpensive to fix, others require special tools and assistance from an expert mechanic.

The first step is to lubricate the socket that holds the key. You can apply graphite powder or silicon spray. Make sure that the ignition cylinder has no obstructions or loose springs.

Battery

If your car won't start it could be due to the battery being dead. This is a frequent issue that can be solved with either charging your battery or a jump. If this does not fix the issue the ignition switch could be bad. This component is responsible for transferring battery power to other electrical components, such as the starter motor and ignition coil. If the ignition switch is damaged it is not able to allow current pass through and the engine won't begin.

The battery is the main source of the electrical energy in your vehicle. It's a black box with positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on the top. The terminals may be corroded and stop the battery from supplying power to the rest the vehicle. Clean the battery terminals by disconnecting the battery and using a wire brush to remove any corrosion. You can also apply baking soda to clean the terminals.

It's possible that your vehicle's battery is nearing the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. A new battery will provide the proper voltage to the spark plugs in your vehicle which is necessary for a properly working engine.

The ignition coil is responsible for converting low voltage from the battery to high voltage, which will then ignite the spark plugs in your car to start the engine. If the auto locksmith ignition replacement coil is damaged it won't be able to spark the plugs. Your engine won't start. You can test the ignition coil by looking for a spark in the engine or turning the key to see whether the engine spins.

You may have to replace the starter motor as well. If you hear a grinding sound when you turn the ignition key it means that the starter bearings are worn out. It can be an expensive repair so it is best to replace your starter motor immediately if you begin to notice signs of wear. It's an easy task that requires the replacement of some bolts and parts.

Alternator

The alternator is the one that charges your battery and also powers the electrical components of your car when the engine is running. Examine the battery first if you suspect that your alternator may be malfunctioning. This will allow you to determine if your alternator is causing your battery to drain or the battery is just old and requires to be replaced.

While the vehicle is in idle the alternator supplies 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. You can use a voltage meter to examine your battery and alternator to determine the proper voltage levels. If your battery is less than 6 volts, it must be replaced or charged immediately. A low or dead battery will also prevent the starter motor from cranking the engine over and will require more jumper cables to start your car.

Before you begin removing the Alternator, turn off the ignition and secure all doors. Disconnect the negative cable and store it safely. Wear safety gear. Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual for guidance on how to access the alternator as well as any other parts you need to remove.

Once you've removed the belt, if your vehicle has one take off the warning light wire from the back of the alternator. The wire will connect directly to an alternator connector identified WL or IN. Some vehicles, however, have a separate relay to perform this purpose. If your warning light does not blink, you may suspect a different problem.

The alternator is a crucial component in your vehicle, and you must check it frequently for signs of trouble. While you can do some of the checks yourself, it's best to bring your vehicle into Les Schwab for a free inspection and expert advice. Our certified technicians will test your battery, battery posts (the terminals marked + and +) for corrosion relays, fuses and voltage output and cold cranking amps, and more to determine what the problem is.

Starter Motor

The starter motor is a crucial component in the ignition system. It is responsible for turning over the engine so that it can take into air, which is required to ignite the fuel. If your car won't start, it is often due to a malfunction in the starter motor. There are a few ways to troubleshoot that can help you identify the issue and resolve it.

When you turn the key on the ignition of your vehicle, a switch in the starter turns on an pinion gear that is fitted into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel that initiates the engine. When you release the key the pinion gear retracts and disconnects from the flywheel, thereby preventing damage.

There are a variety of things that can be wrong with the starter motor, car Ignition Switch such as an electrical problem in the internal windings, mechanical issues (such as teeth not connecting to the flywheel or pinion gear) or a dead battery. A defective starter motor can sound like a dead battery; it'll make a click as it tries to turn the engine, but it won't.

The condition of the battery and the terminals of the battery will be examined by a mechanic in the event that the starter motor does not work. If the battery is depleted or has corrosion on its terminals it will require charging or replaced.

Depending on how serious the issue is, the mechanic may test the solenoid by using a multimeter. The solenoid, which is a large magnet switch, delivers an electric current from the thick batteries cables to the starter. This switch basically connects the battery cable to windings within the starter that actually make the electric motor turn, plus it pushes a rod that actuates an engaging fork, which is then pushed by the gear that pinions to automatically engage with the flywheel.

Another option is to bypass the ignition switch with a jumper wire. 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 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. This allows the system to allow electrical flow to your starter and then start the engine, however it's not immune from wear and tear like other car ignition replacement components. The switch could also get stuck in its place or become locked. You should be looking for issues frequently to be able to act before the car won't start.

If your key seems to struggle to turn or becomes stuck in the ignition, it might have been locked. This is a problem that occurs in many vehicles due to a lack lubrication. Using a graphite or silicone-based lubricant on the release pin could aid. Spray a small amount into the ignition and try moving the key. If it's stuck, try using a piler or hacksaw blade.

An ignition issue could cause a host of other issues as well. The anti-theft device may stop working 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 at all.

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