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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems If your vehicle starts and runs but the ignition switch isn't able to turn on the spark plugs, there could be a variety of reasons. Some are simple and cheap to fix, whereas others require special equipment and the help of an expert mechanic. Lubricate the key socket first. You can use either graphite powder or a silicon aerosol spray. Also, ensure that G28 Car Keys is free of obstructions and springs that are loose. Battery If your car isn't starting, it could be because your battery is dead. This is a common issue that can be fixed by getting a jump or charging of the battery. If this does not fix the problem your ignition switch could be bad. This component supplies battery power to the other electrical components, like the starter motor and ignition coil. If the ignition switch is not working properly it won't allow current to flow through, and the engine won't start. The battery is the primary source of electrical energy in your vehicle. The battery is a black, slender box with positive (+) and negative (–) terminals at the top. The terminals can become damaged, preventing the battery from providing power to the rest of the vehicle. By disconnecting the battery you can employ a wire bristle remove any corrosion. You can also use a baking soda solution to help clean the terminals. It is also possible that your car battery has just reached the end of its life and requires replacement. A new battery will supply the proper voltage to the spark plugs in your vehicle which is essential to ensure that your engine is running properly. 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 defective and not functioning properly, it will not be able spark the plugs. Your engine won't start. The ignition coil can be tested by examining the engine for a spark or turning the key to see if it turns over. It is possible to replace the starter motor as well. If you hear a grinding sound when you turn the ignition key, this means that the starter bearings are worn out. This can be a costly fix, so it's best to replace the starter motor as soon as possible when you see any signs of wear and tear. Changing the starter motor is a relatively simple process that requires the replacement of a few parts and bolts. Alternator The alternator charges your battery and powers the electrical parts of your vehicle while the engine is running. If you suspect a issue with your alternator, you should first test the battery. This will allow you to determine if your alternator draining the battery, or if your battery is old and requires replacement. While the vehicle is idle, the alternator provides power to the dash lights and radio. It also provides power to the windshield wipers, the power windows, the electric steering, heated seats and the power windows. You can use a voltmeter examine your battery and alternator to determine the proper voltage levels. If your battery is less than 6 volts, it must be replaced or charged as soon as possible. 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 dismantling the alternator, ensure that the ignition is off and that all doors are locked. Remove the negative cable and secure it. Wear safety equipment. Check out a specific vehicle repair manual for instructions on how to gain access to the alternator and any other parts you need to take off. After you've removed your belt, if your car has one, disconnect the warning light wire from the side of the alternator. The wire will connect directly to an alternator terminal that is marked WL or IN. Some vehicles, however, have a separate relay for this purpose. If your warning light does not come on, you should be able to identify a different issue. The alternator is an essential component of your vehicle, and it is important to examine it regularly for signs of problems. You can perform certain of these tests yourself, but it's best to bring your vehicle to Les Schwab so that they can look it over and provide you with expert advice. Our technicians can test for corrosion on your battery posts, battery (+ and +) fuse, relays, and fuses and voltage output, cold starting amps, and more. Starter Motor The starter motor is a crucial component of the ignition system. It is responsible for turning over the engine to suck in air, which is necessary to ignite the fuel. It is typical for the starter motor to be at fault when your car won't turn over. There are a few troubleshooting techniques that can help you identify the issue and fix it. When you turn the key in your vehicle's ignition the switch inside the starter is activated by an pinion gear that is fitted into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel, which begins the engine. The gear retracts once you release the key to prevent damage. There are many things that can cause problems with the starter motor including an electrical failure in the internal windings, mechanical issues (such as teeth no longer meshing with the flywheel or pinion gear) or a dead battery. Often, a faulty starter motor will sound like a dead battery. it'll make a click when it attempts to turn the engine but can't. The state of charge and the terminals of the battery will be examined by a mechanic if the starter motor doesn't work. If the battery is not fully charged or has corrosion on its terminals, it'll require charging or replaced. Depending on how serious the problem is, the mechanic may also test the solenoid with a multimeter. The solenoid is a huge magnet switch, delivers an electric current from the long battery cables to the starter. This switch basically connects the thick battery cable to the windings inside the starter that activate the electric motor, plus it pushes an actuator rod that turns on an engaging fork that in turn pushes the gear that pinions to automatically engage with the flywheel. Another option is to bypass the ignition switch with the jumper wire. This is a temporary solution but it shouldn't be recommended unless you're able to do it right. You will need to carefully connect your jumper wires to the battery terminals, and then make sure that the switch is in the “Start position”. Ignition Switch The ignition switch is where you insert your car keys. This switch is used by the system to start the engine and to send electric current to the starter. However, it is not immune to wear like other parts of the car. The switch can also become stuck in its place or become locked. You should check for problems frequently to be able to act before the car stops working. It could be locked if your key is difficult to turn or gets stuck in the ignition. This is a typical issue for many vehicles and happens due to a lack of lubrication. You can apply a graphite- or silicone-based grease to lubricate the release pin. Spray a bit of it into the ignition, and then try moving the key. If you're stuck then try using a piler or hacksaw blade. An ignition problem can cause a variety of other issues, too. The anti-theft device may stop working or the starter motor might not crank when you put the key. It could also cause other functions to stop working or cease to function at all. A damaged ignition switch could also cause a lot of wear and tear on other components. For instance, if you have a heavy keychain or a variety of items on your keychain it could strain the ignition switch when you plug it in and accelerate the wear and tear on its internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations can also affect the materials and lubricants in the ignition switch. It is crucial to test the replacement ignition switch prior to assembling the other components and the steering column. Check that the replacement works and that your engine starts without issues. You should also double-check that the new ignition switch is compatible with the vehicle's make and model. If you're not sure of your ability to install the new ignition switch it could be worth hiring a service shop at a dealership to do it for you. They will also test the replacement and install any other components that need to be connected or replaced.