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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems There are a variety of reasons your car may run and start, but the ignition doesn't start the spark plugs. Some are easy and cheap to fix, others require specialized tools and help from an expert mechanic. Lubricate the socket of the key first. 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 isn't starting it could be due to the battery being dead. This is a common issue that can be solved with either charging your battery or a jump. If this doesn't fix the issue, your ignition switch may be defective. The switch is the one that supplies battery power to the other electrical components, such as the starter motor and ignition coil. If the ignition switch is defective it will not allow current to flow through, and the engine won't start. The battery is the main source of the electrical energy that is used in your vehicle. It's a black box with positive (+) and negative (–) terminals that are on top. The terminals may become damaged, preventing the battery from supplying power to the rest of the vehicle. By disconnecting the battery, you can use a wire bristle to remove any corrosion. You can also clean the terminals using baking soda as a solution. It's possible that your vehicle's battery has just reached the end of its life and is in need of replacement. A new battery will provide the correct voltage to your vehicle's spark plugs. This is necessary for a properly functioning engine. The ignition coil converts the battery's low voltage into high voltage to spark the spark plugs in your car and start the engine. If your ignition coil is not working properly it won't be able to spark the plugs. The engine will not start. You can test the ignition coil by looking for a spark inside the engine or turning the key and seeing whether the engine spins. It is also possible to replace the starter motor. If you hear a grinding sound as you turn the ignition key it means that the starter bearings are worn out. It could be a costly repair so it is best to replace your starter motor when you begin to notice signs of wear. The starter motor can be replaced by replacing the bolts and parts. Alternator The alternator is a device that charges your battery while your engine is running. It also provides power to your car's electrical parts. If you suspect that there is a problem with your alternator, you should test the battery first. This will allow you to determine if your alternator is causing the battery to drain or the battery is just old and needs to be replaced. While the vehicle is in idle, the alternator provides power to the dash lights as well as the radio. It also provides power to the windshield wipers, the power windows, electric steering, heated seats, and the power windows. A voltmeter is a tool to test the voltage of your alternator and battery. If your battery's voltage is lower than 6 volts it should be charged immediately or replaced. A dead or low-volt battery will also stop the starter from turning over the engine, and will require additional jumper cables to start your car. Before you begin removing the Alternator, shut off the ignition and lock all doors. Remove the negative cable and store it in a safe place. Wear safety equipment. Check out a specific vehicle repair manual for guidance on how to gain access to the alternator and any other components you'll need to remove. If your vehicle is equipped with a warning light wire, you can remove it from the back of the generator following taking off the belt. This wire will usually connect directly to an alternator's terminal that is marked either WL or IND. Some vehicles, however, have an additional relay for this function. If your warning light does not come on, it is likely that you have an issue that is not related to the one you are experiencing. You should regularly inspect your alternator for any signs of malfunction. You can carry out certain of these tests yourself, but it is best to bring your car into Les Schwab so that they can examine it and offer you advice from a professional. Our certified technicians will examine your battery, battery posts (the terminals that are marked + and –) for corrosion relays, fuses and voltage output, cold cranking amps and more to determine what the issue is. Starter Motor The starter motor is a crucial component of the ignition system. It turns the engine over so that air can be sucked in, which is needed to ignite the fuel. If your car won't start, it's usually due to a malfunction in the starter motor. There are several ways to troubleshoot that can help you diagnose the problem and fix it. When you turn on your car's ignition key, a switch inside the starter engages a pinion-gear that is fitted into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel, which then starts the engine. The pinion gear retracts when you release the key to prevent damage. There are many things that could be wrong with the starter motor 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 malfunctioning starter motor may sound like a dead phone battery. It will make a clicking sound when it tries to turn the engine over. If the starter motor isn't functioning One of the first things a mechanic would examine is the condition of charge on the battery and its terminals. If the battery is damaged or is depleted, it will need to charged or replaced. Depending on how severe the issue is, a mechanic could test the solenoid by using a multimeter. The solenoid is a massive magnetic switch that transmits a rush of power from the battery cables that are long and thick to the starter. The switch connects the long cable from the battery to the windings in the starter which turns the motor. It also pulls a rod to actuate an engaging fork, which causes the pinion to automatically engage with the flywheel. A jumper wire can be used to disable the ignition. This is a temporary solution but it shouldn't be recommended unless you know how to perform it correctly. car ignition locked 'll need to be careful about routing the jumper wire to battery terminals, and ensure that the switch is in 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 isn't immune to wear and tear as other car components. The switch can also get stuck inside its slot or become locked. You should be looking for issues frequently to be able to act before your car doesn't start. If your key seems to struggle to turn, or is stuck in the ignition, it might be locked. This is a problem that occurs in a variety of vehicles because of a lack grease. Using some graphite or silicone-based grease on the pin that releases the key could aid. Spray some lubricant onto the ignition, then move the key. If you're stuck you can try using a piler or hacksaw blade. An ignition issue can lead to a number of other issues, too. The anti-theft device may not function, or the starter motor might not crank when you put the key. This can cause auxiliary functions to stop working or cease to function. A malfunctioning ignition could cause extra wear and tear on other components. For instance, if have a large keychain, or several items on your keychain it could strain the ignition switch when you plug it in, and could increase the wear on its internal components. Extreme temperature changes can also affect the lubricants and materials used in the ignition switch. If you've purchased a replacement ignition switch, it's crucial to test it prior to assembling the steering column and other components. Make sure the replacement is working and that the engine starts without issues. Also, make sure the new ignition switch is compatible with your vehicle's model and model. If you're unsure of your ability to install a new ignition switch it could be worth employing a dealership service shop to do it for you. They can also test the new switch and install any other parts that require connecting or replaced.