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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems If your vehicle starts and runs but the ignition switch doesn't turn over the spark plugs, it could be a number of causes. Some are simple and cheap to fix, while others require specialized equipment and help of a mechanic. First, lubricate the socket that holds the key. You can apply graphite powder or silicon spray. Also, make sure the ignition cylinder is free of obstructions and springs that are loose. Battery If your car isn't starting it could be because the battery is dead. This is a common issue which can be fixed with charging the battery or making the jump. 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 ignition coil. If the ignition switch is damaged, it won't allow current to flow through 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 supplying electricity to the rest of the vehicle. By disconnecting the battery you can use a wire bristle to get rid of any corrosion. You can also use baking soda as a solution 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 supply the correct voltage to your vehicle’s spark plugs. This is essential for a functioning engine. The ignition coil converts low voltage from your battery into high voltage that causes the spark plugs of your car and start the engine. If your ignition coil is not working properly and not functioning properly, it will not 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 also need to replace the starter motor. If you hear a grinding noise when you turn the key in your ignition, it is a sign that the bearings in the starter are beginning to wear out. It is a costly repair, so it is recommended to replace your starter motor when you begin to begin to notice signs of wear. It's an easy task that requires the replacement of the bolts and a few components. Alternator The alternator is the one that charges your battery and powers the electrical components of your car when the engine is running. Test the battery first if you suspect that your alternator is malfunctioning. This will enable you to determine if your alternator is draining the battery or if the battery is old and in need of replacement. While the vehicle is in idle the alternator is able to supply power to the dash lights as well as the 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 examine your battery and alternator for proper voltage levels. If your battery's voltage is lower than 6 volts it should be replaced or charged immediately. A dead or weak battery can also stop the starter motor from cranking the engine, and will require additional jumper cables to get your car started. Before you begin removing the alternator, ensure that the ignition is off and all doors are locked. It is also important to disconnect the negative cable from the battery, and then put it away somewhere safe and put on your safety gear. Check out a repair manual that is specific to your vehicle for directions on how to remove the alternator, or any other parts. After you've removed your belt, if your car is equipped with one remove the warning light wire from the back of the alternator. This wire will connect directly to the alternator terminal identified WL or IN. Some vehicles have an additional relay that performs this function. If your warning light does not appear, you must be able to identify a different issue. The alternator is a crucial component of your vehicle, and you should check it frequently to look for signs of problems. You can do some of these checks by yourself, however it is recommended to bring your vehicle to Les Schwab so they can examine it and offer you advice from a professional. Our certified technicians will test your battery, battery posts (the terminals that are marked + and +) for corrosion relays, fuses and voltage output and cold cranking amps, and more to determine what the issue is. Starter Motor The starter motor is an important element of the ignition system. It is responsible for turning over the engine to take into air, which is necessary to ignite the fuel. If your car won't start, it's usually due to a malfunction in the starter motor. There are a number of ways to troubleshoot to help you determine the issue and fix it. When you turn the key on your vehicle's ignition, a switch on the starter turns on a pinion gear that fits into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel which initiates the engine. When you release the key, the pinion gear retracts, and disengages from the flywheel, thereby preventing damage. There are many things that can be wrong in the starter motor, including an electrical failure in the internal windings, a mechanical problem (such as teeth not meshing on the pinion gear or flywheel) or a dead battery. A defective starter motor will just sound like a dead battery. it will make a clicking sound as it tries to turn over the engine but can't. The charge level and the battery's terminals will be checked by a technician if the starter motor doesn't work. If the battery has corrosion or is depleted it needs to be recharged or replaced. Depending on the degree of the problem, the mechanic could examine the solenoid of the starter with a multimeter. The solenoid is a huge magnetic switch that transmits an electric current from the thick battery cables to the starter. This switch basically connects the long battery cable to windings within the starter that turn the electric motor and also pushes an actuator rod that turns on an engaging fork, which in turn pushes the gear pinion to automatically engage with the flywheel. Another option is to bypass the ignition switch by using an extension wire. This is only a temporary fix and you shouldn't try it unless you're sure how to do it. You'll need to carefully route the jumper wire to battery terminals and make sure the switch is in the “Start” position. Ignition Switch The ignition switch is where you insert your car key. This will allow electrical flow to the starter and to start the engine, however it isn't immune to wear and tear as other car parts. The switch may also get stuck inside its slot or be locked. fix car ignition should be looking for issues regularly to identify the problem before the car won't start. If your key seems to struggle to turn or it becomes stuck in the ignition, it might have been locked. This is a typical issue for many vehicles and is because of a lack of lubrication. You can use a silicone or graphite-based grease to lubricate the release pin. Spray some lubricant onto the ignition, then move the key. If it's still stuck, employ a piler or hacksaw blade to assist in moving it. An ignition problem could cause a host of other issues, too. The anti-theft system might not function, or the starter motor may not crank when you put the key. It can also cause auxiliary functions to cease functioning or cease to function altogether. A malfunctioning ignition switch could cause a lot of wear and tear on other parts. If you own a keychain with multiple items, or a large one, this could stress the ignition switch, which can cause wear on the internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations can also affect the lubricants and materials in the ignition switch. If you've purchased a replacement ignition switch, you need to test it prior reassembling the steering column and other components. Make sure that the new ignition switch works and that your engine starts smoothly. Also, make sure the new ignition switch is compatible with your vehicle's model and model. If you're not confident in your ability to install an ignition switch that is new, it might be worth employing a dealership service shop to install it for you. They can also test the new switch and install any other parts that require connecting or replaced.