How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems
If your vehicle starts and runs but the ignition switch won't switch over the spark plugs, it could be a variety of reasons for this. Some are easy and cheap to fix, while others require specialized tools and help from an expert mechanic.
The first step is to lubricate the key socket. You can use graphite powder, or a 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 common problem that can be resolved by a battery charge or the jump. If this does not fix 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 defective, it will not allow current to flow through, and the engine won't begin.
The battery is the source of all the electrical energy in your car. The battery is a black, slender box that has positive (+) and negatively (-) terminals on the top. The terminals could get corroded, preventing the battery from providing power to the rest the vehicle. You can 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 using baking soda as a solution.
Your car battery may also be nearing the end of its lifespan and requires replacement. A new battery will provide the right voltage to the spark plugs in your vehicle which is essential for a properly working engine.
The ignition coil is responsible for converting low voltage from the battery to high voltage that can ignite your car's spark plugs to start the engine. If your ignition coil is not working properly and not functioning properly, it will not be able to ignite 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 if the engine turns over.
You may have to replace the starter motor too. If you hear a grating sound when you turn your ignition key it is a sign that the starter bearings are deteriorating. It is a costly repair, so it is recommended to replace your starter motor when you begin to detect signs of wear. The starter motor can be changed by replacing some bolts and other components.
Alternator
The alternator is an appliance that charges your battery when your engine is running. It also is the power source for your car's electrical components. Test the battery first if you suspect your alternator may be malfunctioning. This will allow you to determine if the alternator is draining the battery or if your battery is old and requires replacement.
Your car's alternator also supplies power for the dashboard lights, windshield wipers, power windows, electric steering, heated seats and your radio while the vehicle is idle. A voltmeter can be used to determine the voltage of your alternator and battery. If your battery is less than 6 volts, it must be replaced or charged immediately. A dead or low-volt battery will also stop the starter from turning over the engine and may require additional jumper cables in order to start your car.
Before you start dismantling the alternator, ensure that the ignition is turned off and all the doors are locked. Unplug the negative cable and store it in a safe place. Wear safety gear. Check out a specific vehicle repair manual to learn how to gain access to the alternator, as well as any other components you'll need to take off.
After you've removed the belt, if your vehicle has one, disconnect the warning light wire from the back of the alternator. This wire will connect directly to an alternator connector marked WL or IN. Certain vehicles, however, have a separate relay for this purpose. If the warning light doesn't come on, you should be able to identify a different issue.
You should check regularly your alternator for indications of malfunction. You can perform certain of these tests yourself, but it's best to bring your car to Les Schwab so they can inspect it and offer you advice from a professional. Our technicians can 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 an essential element of the ignition system. It is responsible for turning over the engine so that it can take into air, which is necessary to ignite the fuel. It is typical for the starter motor to be the cause when your car won't turn over. There are several troubleshooting techniques to help you determine the issue and resolve it.
When you turn the key in the ignition of your vehicle the switch inside the starter engages with an pinion gear that is fitted into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear is then turned the flywheel, which starts the engine. The gear retracts once you release the key to prevent damage.
There are a myriad of things that could cause problems in the starter motor, such as an electrical problem in the internal windings, a mechanical problem (such as teeth no longer meshing with the flywheel or pinion gear) or a dead battery. Often, a defective starter motor will just sound like a dead battery. it'll make a clicking noise when it attempts to turn over the engine but can't.
The state of charge and the battery's terminals 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 rust on its terminals, it'll require charging or replaced.
Depending on how severe the issue is, the mechanic may also test the solenoid with a multimeter. The solenoid, which is a large magnet switch, delivers an energy surge from the battery cables to the starter. This switch connects the bulky cable from the battery to the windings in the starter which will turn the motor. It also triggers the rod to activate an engaging fork, which causes the pinion to automatically engage with flywheel.
A jumper wire can be used to disable the ignition. This is only a temporary solution however it shouldn't be a recommendation unless you know how to do it correctly. You'll need to route the jumper wire to battery terminals and make sure the switch is set to the "Start" position.
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is the place where you insert your car key. This allows the system to allow electrical flow to your starter and to start the engine, however it's not immune from wear and tear as other car components. The switch may also become stuck in its place or become locked. It's important to regularly check it for any issues so that you can act prior to the car not starting.
It could have been locked if the key is difficult to turn or becomes stuck in the ignition. This problem is common in vehicles due to a lack oil lubrication. You can use a silicone or graphite-based lubricant to lubricate the release pin. Spray a little into the ignition and try moving the key. If it's stuck then try using a hacksaw or piler blade.
An issue with the ignition can also lead to other problems. The anti-theft feature may stop working or the starter motor might not start when you insert the key. It could also cause other functions to stop working or not work at all.
A failing ignition can also cause extra wear and tear to other components. For instance, if you have a large keychain or multiple items on your keychain, it can strain the ignition switch when you put it in and accelerate the wear on its internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations may impact the materials and lubricants in the ignition switch.
If you've got a new ignition switch, it's crucial to test it prior to assembling the steering column and other components. Make sure that the switch is working and that the engine starts without any issues. Verify G28 of the new ignition switch with the vehicle's model and model. If you're unsure of your ability to install a new ignition switch, it might be worth hiring a service shop at a dealership to install it for you. They can also test and connect other parts or replace them.