berryskate08

How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems There are many reasons why your car may run and start but the ignition fails to start the spark plugs. Some are simple and inexpensive to fix, others require specialized tools and assistance from an expert mechanic. First, you need to lubricate the socket that holds the key. You can apply graphite powder or a silicon aerosol spray. Make sure that the ignition cylinder has no loose springs or obstructions. Battery It could be that your battery is dead when your car won't start. This is a common issue that can be fixed by getting a jump or charging the battery. If this doesn't fix the problem the ignition switch could be bad. This component supplies battery power to other electrical components, like the starter motor and the ignition coil. If the ignition switch is defective it won't permit current to flow through, and the engine won't start. The battery is responsible for all the electrical energy that is used in your vehicle. It's a black, insulated box with positive (+) and negative (–) terminals that are on the top. The terminals can become corrosion-prone, which can stop the battery from supplying power to the rest of the vehicle. Clean the battery's terminals by disconnecting the battery and using a wire brush to eliminate any corrosion. You can also use baking soda as a solution to clean the terminals. Your car's battery could be nearing the end of its life and requires replacement. A new battery will provide the right voltage to your vehicle's spark plugs which is necessary to ensure that your engine is running properly. The ignition coil converts low voltage from your battery into high voltage to spark the spark plugs of your car and start the engine. If your ignition coil is defective it won't be able to spark the plugs. The engine will not start. The ignition coil can be inspected by examining the engine for sparks 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 the key in your ignition, it's a sign that the bearings inside the starter are beginning to wear out. This can be a costly repair therefore it is recommended to replace the starter motor as soon as possible when you see any signs of wear and tear. The starter motor can be changed by replacing a few bolts and parts. Alternator The alternator charges your battery and also powers the electrical components of your car when the engine is running. Examine the battery first if you suspect your alternator is malfunctioning. This will enable you to determine if the alternator is draining the battery or if your battery is old and needs replacement. While the vehicle is in idle, the alternator provides power to the dash light and radio. It also powers the windshield wipers as well as the power windows, the electric steering, the heated seats and the power windows. You can use a voltmeter to check your battery and the alternator for the proper voltage levels. If your battery has less than 6 volts it should be replaced or charged immediately. A dead or low-volt battery will also prevent the starter motor from turning the engine, and will require additional jumper cables to start your car. Before you begin dismantling the alternator, ensure the ignition is turned off and all doors are locked. Disconnect the negative cable and store it safely. Wear safety gear. Consult a vehicle's specific repair manual for instructions on how to access the alternator, as well as any other components you require to take off. After you've removed the belt, if your vehicle is equipped with one take off the warning light wire from the side of the alternator. The wire will be connected directly to an alternator terminal that is marked WL or IN. Some vehicles have an additional relay that performs this function. If your warning light does not come on, you should suspect a different problem. The alternator is a vital part of your vehicle, and you must examine it regularly for signs of trouble. You can perform certain of these tests yourself, but it is best to bring your car to Les Schwab so that they can examine it and give you expert advice. Our trained technicians can test your battery, battery posts (the terminals marked + and +) for corrosion and fuses, relays, voltage output and cold cranking amps, and more to determine what the issue is. Starter Motor The starter motor is a crucial element of the ignition system. It turns the engine to allow air to be sucked in, which is needed to ignite the fuel. When your car won't start it's usually due to a malfunction in the starter motor. There are many ways to troubleshoot that can be used to assist you in identifying and fixing the issue. When you turn on your vehicle's ignition key, a switch inside the starter engages a pinion-gear that fits into grooves of the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel, which in turn starts the engine. The gear retracts when you release the key to prevent damage. The starter motor can be affected by a number of things, including mechanical issues (such as teeth not lining up on the flywheel) or a dead cell. A damaged starter motor could sound like a dead phone battery. It will make a clunk sound as it tries but cannot turn the engine over. The charge level and the terminals of the battery will be checked by a mechanic when the starter motor fails to work. If the battery is low or has rust on its terminals, it will require charging or replaced. Depending on how severe the issue is, the mechanic could also test the solenoid using a multimeter. The solenoid is a large magnetic switch that sends a rush of power from the thick battery cables to the starter. The switch connects the long battery cable to the wires inside the starter, which make the electric motor turn as well as it pulls a rod that actuates an engaging fork that will then push the gear pinion to automatically engage with the flywheel. Another option is to disable the ignition switch with a jumper wire. This is a temporary solution however it shouldn't be a recommendation unless you are able to do it correctly. You'll need to carefully route the jumper wire to battery terminals and be sure the switch is in the “Start” position. Ignition Switch The ignition switch is where you insert your car keys. It is used to start the engine and send an electrical current to the starter. However, it is not immune to wear and tear as other parts of the car. The switch can also get stuck inside its slot or be locked. You should check for problems regularly so you can act before the car stops working. It could be locked if the key is difficult to turn or becomes stuck in the ignition. This is a common problem for many vehicles and happens because of a lack of lubrication. Using some graphite or silicone-based lubricant on the release pin could help. Spray a bit of it into the ignition and try moving the key. If you're stuck then try using a hacksaw or piler blade. An ignition problem can lead to a number of other issues, too. does a new ignition switch require a new key -theft feature could not function or the starter motor may not turn on when you insert the key. This can also cause the other functions to stop functioning or cease to function. A malfunctioning ignition could cause additional wear and tear on other components. If you own keys that have multiple items, or a large one, it can put strain on the ignition switch and increase wear on the internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations may impact the materials and lubricants in the ignition switch. It is crucial to test the new ignition switch before reassembling other components and the steering column. Make sure the replacement works and that your engine starts without any issues. Also, make sure the new ignition switch is compatible with the vehicle's make and model. If you're unsure of your ability to install the new ignition switch you might consider employing a dealership service shop to install it for you. They can also test and connect other components or even replace them.