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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems There are a myriad of reasons your car might be running and starting but the ignition won't turn on the spark plugs. Some are easy and cheap to fix, others require special tools and assistance from a mechanic. First, you need to lubricate the key socket. You can use either graphite powder, or a silicon aerosol spray. Also, make sure the ignition cylinder is free of obstructions and loose springs. Battery If your car doesn't start it could be due to the battery being dead. This is a common problem which can be fixed with either charging your battery or an electrical jump. If this does not solve the problem, it is possible that the 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 not working properly it is not able to allow current be passed through, and the engine will not start. The battery is the primary source of electrical energy in your vehicle. It's a black box with positive (+) and negative (–) terminals that are on the top. The terminals may become corroded, preventing the battery from providing power 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 clean the terminals using baking soda. It is possible that your vehicle's battery is at the end of its life and requires replacement. A new battery will provide the proper voltage to your vehicle's spark plugs. This is crucial for a properly functioning engine. The ignition coil is responsible for changing low voltage from the battery into high voltage, which will then ignite the spark plugs of your car to start the engine. If the ignition coil is damaged it will not be able to spark the plugs and your engine won't start. The ignition coil can be inspected by examining the engine for sparks or turning the key to check if it turns over. You may also need to replace the starter motor. If you hear a grating sound when you turn on your ignition, it's a sign that the bearings inside the starter are starting to wear out. This can be a costly fix, so it's recommended to replace the motor of your starter early when you see any signs of wear and wear. The starter motor can be replaced by replacing the bolts and components. Alternator The alternator is the one that charges your battery and also powers the electrical components of your car when the engine is running. Test the battery first if you suspect that your alternator may be malfunctioning. This will help you determine if your alternator is causing your battery to deplete or if your battery is simply old and should be replaced. Your car's alternator also supplies power for the dashboard lights, windshield wipers as well as electric steering, power windows, heated seats and your radio when the vehicle is idling. You can use a voltage meter to test your battery and alternator for proper voltage levels. If your battery has less than 6 volts it should be charged immediately or replaced. Batteries that are dead or not charged will also stop the starter from turning the engine on and may require additional jumper cables in order to start your car. Before you begin dismantling the Alternator, shut off the ignition and secure all doors. Also, disconnect the negative cable from the battery, and then put it away in a safe location and put on the safety equipment. Consult a vehicle's specific repair manual to learn how to access the alternator and any other parts you need to take off. 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. ignition lock repair services will be connected directly to the alternator terminal that is marked WL or IN. Certain vehicles, however, have an additional relay for this purpose. If your warning light doesn't come on, you should think about a different cause. The alternator is a vital part of your vehicle, and you must inspect it regularly for signs of trouble. While you can do some of the tests on your own, it's recommended to bring your vehicle to Les Schwab for a no-cost inspection and expert advice. Our trained technicians can examine your battery, battery posts (the terminals that are marked + and +) for corrosion relays, fuses, voltage output as well as cold cranking amps and more to determine what the issue is. Starter Motor The starter motor is an essential element of the ignition system. It turns the engine over so that air can be drawn in and ignite the fuel. If your car isn't starting, it's usually caused by a problem with the starter motor. There are a variety of troubleshooting techniques that can be used to aid in diagnosing and fixing the issue. When you turn on your car's ignition key, a switch in the starter engages a pinion-gear that fits into grooves of the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel, which starts the engine. The gear retracts once you remove the key, thereby preventing damage. The starter motor can be affected by a range of things, including a mechanical problem (such as teeth not meshing on the flywheel) or a dead cell. Often, a faulty starter motor will sound like a dead battery. it'll make a clicking noise when it attempts to turn the engine, but won't. If the starter motor isn't functioning, one of the first things a mechanic would check is the state of charge on the battery and its terminals. If the battery is damaged or is low it must be recharged or replaced. Depending on how serious the issue is, the mechanic could also test the solenoid with a multimeter. The solenoid is a huge magnetic switch that transmits the power of the battery cables that are thick to the starter. This switch connects the bulky cable from the battery to windings in the starter which turn the motor. It also pushes a rod to actuate an engaging fork that pushes the pinion to automatically engage with flywheel. Another option is to disable the ignition switch using a jumper wire. This is an option for a short-term fix that you should not attempt it unless you are confident about how to do it. You'll need to take care to route your jumper wires to the battery terminals, and make sure that the switch is in the “Start position”. Ignition Switch The ignition switch is the place where you insert your car keys. This will enable electrical flow to your starter and then start the engine, but it's not immune from wear and tear as other car components. The switch could also get stuck in its place or become locked. You should check for problems frequently to be able to act before the car stops working. If your key is a struggle to turn or it is stuck in the ignition, it may be locked. This is a typical issue for many vehicles and happens because of a lack of lubrication. Using some graphite or silicone-based oil on the release pin can aid. Spray a small amount into the ignition, and then try moving the key. If it's stuck, use a piler or hacksaw blade to help move it. A problem with the ignition can also cause other issues. The anti-theft system might stop working or the starter motor may not crank when you put the key in. This could also cause the secondary functions to stop working or lose power. A malfunctioning ignition switch could also cause lots of wear and tear on other components. For instance, if you have a large keychain, or several items on your keychain, it could strain the ignition switch when you insert it in and accelerate the wear and tear on its internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations may impact the materials and lubricants in the ignition switch. Once you have a replacement ignition switch, it's crucial to test it prior reassembling the steering column and other parts. Make sure that the switch is working and that the engine starts without any issues. Double-check the compatibility of the new ignition switch with the vehicle's model and make. If you're not sure 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 replacement and install any other components that require connecting or replaced.