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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems There are many reasons why your car may be running and starting but the ignition fails to turn on the spark plugs. Some are simple and inexpensive to fix, while others require specialized equipment and help of an expert mechanic. First, you need to lubricate the key socket. You can use either graphite powder or a silicon aerosol spray. Make sure that the ignition cylinder has no loose springs or obstructions. Battery If your car doesn't start, it could be due to the battery being dead. This is a common issue that can be resolved by a battery charge or the jump. If this doesn't solve the issue, it's possible that your ignition switch is defective. 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 faulty it won't permit current to flow through, and the engine will not start. The battery is the main source of electrical energy in your vehicle. It's a black, insulated box with positive (+) and negative (–) terminals that are on top. The terminals may be corroded and stop the battery from providing power to the rest the vehicle. You can clean the battery terminals by disconnecting the battery and using a wire brush to remove any corrosion. You can also clean the terminals using baking soda as a solution. It is possible that your vehicle's battery is at the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. A new battery will provide the proper 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 inside your car and then start the engine. If your ignition coil is not working 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 and observing if the engine turns over. It is possible to replace the starter motor as well. If you hear a grating sound when you turn the ignition key, this means that the starter bearings are worn out. It could be a costly repair, so it's best to replace your starter motor immediately if you detect signs of wear. The starter motor can be replaced by replacing some bolts and other components. Alternator The alternator is an instrument that recharges your battery while your engine is running. It also powers your car's electrical components. Test the battery first if you suspect that your alternator is failing. This will help you determine if your alternator is causing the battery to drain or your battery is old and needs to be replaced. Your car's alternator also supplies the power to the windshield wipers, dash lights as well as electric steering, power windows as well as heated seats and your radio while the vehicle is idling. You can use a voltmeter test your battery and alternator for proper voltage levels. If your battery is below 6 volts, it must be replaced or charged immediately. Batteries that are dead or not charged will also stop the starter from turning over the engine and will require additional jumper cables to start your car. Before you begin dismantling the Alternator, turn off the ignition and secure all doors. Also, disconnect the negative cable from the battery, tuck it away in a safe location and put on the safety gear. Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual to learn how to access the alternator, as well as any other parts you need to take off. If your vehicle has a warning light wire, you can remove it from the back of the generator after removing the belt. The wire will connect directly to an alternator terminal marked WL or IN. Some vehicles, however, have a separate relay for this function. If your warning light doesn't appear, you must be able to identify a different issue. The alternator is a crucial component of your vehicle, and it is important to examine it regularly to look for signs of problems. While you can do some of the tests by yourself, you should bring your vehicle into Les Schwab for a free inspection and expert advice. Our technicians can test for corrosion on your battery posts, battery (+ and –) and relays, fuses, and voltage output as well as cold starting amps and much more. Starter Motor The starter motor is a crucial component of the ignition system. It rotates the engine to allow air to be drawn in which will ignite the fuel. It is common that the starter motor will be the cause of your car won't turn over. There are a few troubleshooting techniques to help you determine the problem and fix it. When you turn the key on your vehicle's ignition, a switch in the starter turns on a pinion gear that fits into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear then turns the flywheel, which in turn starts the engine. When you release the key, the pinion gear retracts and is released from the flywheel, thereby preventing damage. There are a variety of things that can go wrong in the starter motor, such as an electrical problem in the internal windings, a mechanical issue (such as teeth no longer meshing with the pinion gear or flywheel) or a dead battery. A faulty starter motor can sound like a dead cell phone battery. It will make a clunk sound as it tries but cannot turn the engine over. The state of charge 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 has corrosion or is depleted, it will need to charged or replaced. Depending on how serious the problem is, the mechanic can also test the solenoid 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 essentially connects the thick battery cable to the windings inside the starter, which turn the electric motor and also 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 disable the ignition switch using the jumper wire. This is a temporary solution, and it isn't recommended unless you're able to do it correctly. You'll need to route the jumper wire to battery terminals and make sure the switch is in the “Start” position. Ignition Switch The ignition switch is the place where you insert your key into the car. The system uses this to start the engine and send electrical current to the starter. However, it is not immune to wear and tear like other components of the car. The switch can also get stuck inside its slot or get locked. You should be looking for issues regularly so you can act 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 common problem 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 a little into the ignition and try moving the key. If it's still stuck, make use of a piler or a hacksaw blade to help move it. An ignition problem can cause a variety of other issues too. The anti-theft device may not function or the starter motor may not start when you plug the key in. van ignition repair could also cause other functions to cease functioning or cease to function at all. A damaged ignition switch could cause lots of wear and tear on other components. If you have keys with many items or a heavy one, this can put strain on the ignition switch and increase wear on the internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations can also affect the lubricants and materials in the ignition switch. It is crucial to test the new ignition switch before reassembling other components and the steering column. Be sure that the replacement ignition switch functions and that your engine starts smoothly. Double-check the compatibility of the new ignition switch with your vehicle model and make. It may be worthwhile to get a dealership to install the ignition switch for you if aren't confident in your ability to do so. They can also test the replacement and install any other parts that require connecting or replaced.