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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems There are many reasons why your car may run and start, but the ignition doesn't turn on the spark plugs. Some are easy and cheap to fix, while others require specialized tools and assistance from an expert mechanic. First, you need to lubricate the key socket. You can use graphite powder or a silicon aerosol spray. Make sure that the ignition cylinder has no loose springs or obstructions. Battery It could be that your battery is dying if your vehicle won't start. This is a frequent issue which can be fixed with either charging your battery or a jump. If this does not solve the issue, it's likely that your ignition switch is not working properly. 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 will not allow current to flow through and the engine will not start. The battery is the source of all electrical energy in your vehicle. The battery is a black, slender box that has positive (+) and negative (–) terminals on the top. The terminals can become corroded, preventing the battery from providing electricity to the rest of the vehicle. By disconnecting the battery you can employ a wire bristle get rid of any corrosion. You can also use a baking soda solution to clean the terminals. The battery in your car could be at the end of its lifespan and will require replacement. A new battery will supply the correct voltage to your vehicle's spark plugs. This is crucial for a properly functioning engine. The ignition coil converts the battery's low voltage into high voltage to spark the spark plugs of your car and start the engine. If the ignition coil is damaged it won't be able to ignite the plugs. Your engine won't start. The ignition coil can be inspected by examining the engine for sparks or turning the key to see whether it spins. You might also have to replace the starter motor. If you hear a grinding sound when you turn on your ignition, it means that the bearings in the starter are starting to wear out. This could be a costly repair, so it's recommended to replace the starter motor early on when you see any signs of wear and tear. The starter motor can be replaced by replacing the bolts and parts. Alternator The alternator is an appliance 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 issue with your alternator, you should test the battery first. This will allow you to determine whether your alternator is causing your battery to run out or whether the battery is just old and needs to be replaced. When the vehicle is idle the alternator is able to supply power to the dash lights and radio. It also powers the windshield wipers, the power windows, electric steering, the heated seats and the power windows. A voltmeter can be used to determine the voltage of your alternator and battery. If your battery is less than 6 volts it should be charged immediately or replaced. A low or dead battery will also prevent the starter motor from turning the engine and will require more jumper cables to get your car started. Before you begin dismantling the alternator, switch off the ignition and secure all doors. Disconnect the negative cable and secure it. Wear safety gear. Consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle for directions on how to remove the alternator or any other components. After you've removed the belt, if your vehicle is equipped with one remove the warning light wire from the side of the alternator. This will usually connect directly to a terminal on the alternator that is marked either WL or IND. Certain vehicles have a separate relay that can perform this function. If your warning light does not blink, it's likely to be an issue with your vehicle. It is recommended to regularly check your alternator for indications of a malfunction. You can do some of these checks by yourself, however it is best to bring your car to Les Schwab so they can look it over and give you expert advice. Our technicians will test for corrosion on your battery posts, battery (+ and +) fuse, relays, and fuses and voltage output and cold starting amps and many more. Starter Motor The starter motor is a crucial element of the ignition system. It rotates the engine so that air can be drawn in and ignite the fuel. If your car won't start, it's typically caused by a problem with the starter motor. There are a variety of methods of troubleshooting that can be used to help you diagnose and fix the problem. When you turn on your vehicle's ignition, a switch on the starter engages with an pinion gear that is fitted into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear then turns the flywheel, which then begins the engine. When you release the key the pinion gear retracts, and disconnects from the flywheel, thereby preventing damage. There are many things that can be wrong with the starter motor including an electrical failure in the internal windings, a mechanical problem (such as teeth not meshing on the flywheel or pinion gear) or a dead battery. Often, a defective starter motor can sound like a dead battery; it'll make a clicking noise as it tries to turn the engine but can't. The state of charge and the battery's terminals will be checked by a mechanic if the starter motor doesn't work. If the battery is depleted or has rust on its terminals it will need to be charged or replaced. Depending on how severe the issue is, a mechanic can test the solenoid by using a multimeter. The solenoid is a huge magnetic switch that transmits a rush of power from the thick battery cables to the starter. The switch connects the battery cable to the wires inside the starter that actually activate the electric motor, plus it pushes a rod that actuates an engaging fork that in turn pushes the pinion gear to automatically engage with the flywheel. Another option is to bypass the ignition switch with the jumper wire. This is only a temporary fix and you shouldn't try it unless certain of the procedure. You'll need to take care to connect your jumper wires the battery terminals and make sure that the switch is in the “Start position”. Ignition Switch The ignition switch is where you insert your key into the car. This switch is used by the system to start the engine and send an electrical current to the starter. However, it is not immune to wear and tear like other components of the car. The switch can also become stuck in its slot or locked. You should check for problems frequently to be able to act before your car doesn't start. It could be locked if your key is difficult to turn or gets stuck in the ignition. This is a common problem for many vehicles and happens due to a lack lubrication. You can use a silicone or graphite-based oil to lubricate your release pin. Spray a bit of it into the ignition, and then try moving the key. If it's still stuck make use of a piler or a hacksaw blade to help move it. An issue with the ignition can also cause other issues. The anti-theft feature could not function or the starter motor could not be able to turn on when you insert the key. It could also cause other functions to lose power or not work at all. A failing ignition can also cause extra wear and tear on other parts. If you have keys that have multiple items, or a large one, this could put strain on the ignition switch and increase wear on the internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations may affect the materials and lubricants used in the ignition switch. Once ignition key won't come out have a replacement ignition switch, it's important to test it before reassembling the steering column and other parts. Make sure that the new ignition switch works and that your engine is running smoothly. It is also important to confirm that 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 do it for you. They can also test and connect other parts or replace them.