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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems There are many reasons why your car might be running and starting, but the ignition doesn't start the spark plugs. Some are simple and inexpensive to fix, others require specialized tools and help from a mechanic. The first step is to lubricate the socket that holds the key. You can use graphite powder or a silicon spray. Also, make sure the ignition cylinder is free of any obstructions and loose springs. Battery If your car isn't starting it could be due to the battery being dead. This is a common issue that can be fixed with a jump or charging of the battery. If this doesn't fix the issue, your ignition switch may be defective. The switch is the one that supplies battery power to the other electrical components, like the starter motor and ignition coil. If the ignition switch is damaged, it is not able to allow current pass through and the engine will not begin. The battery is the primary source of electrical energy in your vehicle. It's a dark box with positive (+) and negative (–) terminals that are on top. The terminals can be damaged, preventing the battery from providing power to the rest the vehicle. By disconnecting ignition lock repair , you can use a wire bristle to get rid of any corrosion. You can also clean the terminals using a baking soda solution. It's also possible that your car battery has just reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced. A new battery will supply the correct voltage to the spark plugs in your vehicle which is essential for a properly working engine. The ignition coil is responsible for changing low voltage from the battery into high voltage that will spark the spark plugs in your car to 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 checking for a spark inside the engine or turning the key to see whether the engine spins. You may need to replace the starter motor as well. If you hear a grinding sound when you turn the key in your ignition, it's a sign that the bearings inside the starter are starting to wear out. It is a costly repair so it is best to replace your starter motor when you begin to notice signs of wear. The starter motor can be replaced by replacing a few bolts and parts. Alternator The alternator is a device that charges your battery while your engine is running. It also is the power source for your car's electrical components. Examine the battery first if you suspect your alternator is failing. This will help you determine if your alternator is causing your battery to run out or whether your battery is old and needs to be replaced. While the vehicle is idle the alternator supplies power to the dash light and radio. It also powers the windshield wipers, the power windows, the electric steering, the heated seats, and the power windows. A voltmeter is a tool to determine the voltage of your alternator and battery. If your battery's voltage is lower than 6 volts, it must be charged immediately or replaced. A low or dead batteries can also stop the starter from turning over the engine and may require additional jumper cables in order to start your car. Before you begin dismantling the Alternator, turn off the ignition and lock all doors. Also, disconnect the negative cable from the battery, and then put it away in a safe place and put on the safety gear. Consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle to get instructions on how to remove the alternator or any other component. After you've removed your belt, if your vehicle has one, disconnect the warning light wire from the back of the alternator. The wire will connect directly to an alternator connector that is marked WL or IN. Certain vehicles, however, have a separate relay to perform this function. If your warning light doesn't come on, you should suspect a different problem. It is recommended to regularly check your alternator for any signs of malfunction. While you could perform some of the checks on your own, it's recommended to bring your vehicle into Les Schwab for a no-cost inspection and expert advice. Our technicians will test for corrosion on your battery posts, battery (+ and –) fuse, relays, and fuses as well as voltage output and cold starting amps and many more. Starter Motor The starter motor is a crucial component of the ignition system. It rotates the engine so that air can be drawn in and ignite the fuel. When your car won't start it's typically due to a problem with the starter motor. There are a variety of ways to troubleshoot that can assist you in identifying and fixing the problem. When you turn on your vehicle's ignition, a switch in the starter engages with the pinion gear, which fits into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel, which begins the engine. The gear retracts once you remove the key, thereby preventing damage. There are a myriad of things that can be wrong with the starter motor, for example, an electrical issue in the internal windings, mechanical issues (such as teeth no longer meshing on the flywheel or pinion gear) or a dead battery. Often, a defective starter motor will just sound like a dead battery; it'll make a clicking noise when it attempts to turn the engine but can't. If the starter motor isn't working One of the first things a mechanic will look at is the state of charge of the battery and its terminals. If the battery is damaged or is depleted it needs to be charged or replaced. Depending on how serious the issue is, the mechanic could test the solenoid by using a multimeter. The solenoid, which is a large magnet switch, delivers a surge of power from the thick batteries cables to the starter. The switch connects the long cable from the battery to the starter's windings which will turn the motor. It also pulls an axis rod to trigger an engaging fork, which causes the pinion to automatically engage with flywheel. A jumper wire can be used to bypass the ignition. This is a temporary solution, and it isn't recommended unless you are able to perform it correctly. You'll need to route the jumper wire to battery terminals, and ensure 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 to send electrical current to the starter. However it isn't immune to wear and tear like other parts of the car. The switch can also get stuck in its slot or get locked. It's important to check it frequently for problems so that you can act before the car stops working. If your key seems to struggle to turn or is stuck in the ignition, it could have been locked. This is a common problem for many vehicles and is due to a lack of lubrication. Using a graphite or silicone-based grease on the pin that releases the key could aid. Spray some lubricant on the ignition, and then move the key. If it's stuck you can try using a hacksaw or piler blade. An issue with the ignition could lead to other problems. The anti-theft system might not function or the starter motor might not start when you plug the key in. It can also cause auxiliary functions to stop working or cease to function altogether. A failing ignition switch can cause a lot of wear and tear on other parts. If you own keys with many items, or a large one, this could cause strain on the ignition switch and accelerate wear on the internal components. Extreme temperature changes can also impact the materials and lubricants used in the ignition switch. If you've got a new ignition switch, it's crucial to test it prior to assembling the steering column and the other components. Check that the replacement is working and that the engine is running without issue. Verify the compatibility of the new ignition switch with your vehicle model and model. If you're unsure of your ability to install a new ignition switch you might consider hiring a dealership service shop to complete the task for you. They can also test the new switch and install any other components that require connecting or replaced.