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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems There are a myriad of reasons your car may be running and starting, but the ignition doesn't start the spark plugs. Some are simple and inexpensive to fix, others require special tools and assistance from an expert mechanic. The first step is to lubricate the socket of the key. You can apply graphite powder or silicon aerosol spray. Also, make sure the ignition cylinder is free of obstructions and springs that are loose. Battery If your car doesn't start, it could be because the battery is dead. This is a common issue that can be solved with either charging your battery or the jump. If this doesn't fix the issue, it's possible that your ignition switch is not working properly. This component carries battery power to the other electrical components, such as the starter motor and the ignition coil. If the ignition switch is defective, it will not allow current to be passed through, and the engine won't start. The battery is the primary source of electrical energy in your vehicle. The battery is a black box that has positive (+) and negatively (–) terminals on the top. The terminals may become corroded, preventing the battery from supplying electricity to the rest of the vehicle. Clean the battery terminals by disconnecting the battery and using a wire brush to eliminate any corrosion. You can also use baking soda to clean the terminals. It's also possible that your car's battery has just reached the end of its life and requires replacement. A new battery will provide the correct voltage to the spark plugs in your vehicle, which is required to ensure a functioning engine. The ignition coil is responsible for changing low voltage from the battery to high voltage that will spark your car's spark plugs to start the engine. If the ignition coil is damaged and not functioning properly, it will not be able to ignite the plugs. The engine will not start. You can test the ignition coil by checking whether there is a spark in the engine or turning the key and observing whether the engine spins. fix ignition switch is also possible to replace your starter motor. If you hear a grinding sound when you turn the key in your ignition, it is a sign that the bearings inside the starter are starting to wear out. It can be an expensive repair, so it is recommended to replace your starter motor as soon as you notice signs of wear. The starter motor can be replaced by replacing some bolts and other components. Alternator The alternator is an instrument that charges your battery when your engine is running. It also is the power source for your car's electrical components. If you suspect a problem with your alternator, you should test the battery first. This will help you determine if the alternator is causing the battery to drain or the battery is just old and needs to be replaced. Your car's alternator also supplies power for your windshield wipers, dash lights as well as electric steering, power windows as well as heated seats and your radio while the car is running. A voltmeter is a tool to check the voltage of your alternator and battery. If your battery is less than 6 volts, it must be replaced or charged right away. A dead or low-volt battery can also stop the starter motor from turning the engine, and will require additional jumper cables to get your car started. Before you begin to dismantle the alternator, switch off the ignition and lock all doors. You should also disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then tuck it away in a safe location and put on your safety equipment. Consult a vehicle's specific repair manual to learn how to access the alternator as well as any other components you'll need to remove. 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 connector that is marked WL or IN. Certain vehicles, however, have a separate relay to perform this purpose. If your warning light does not appear, it is likely to be a different issue. The alternator is an essential part of your vehicle, and you should inspect it regularly for signs of trouble. You can perform some of these checks yourself, but it is recommended to bring your vehicle into Les Schwab so that they can inspect it and provide you with expert advice. Our certified technicians will examine your battery, battery posts (the terminals marked + and –) for corrosion relays, fuses, voltage output and cold cranking amps, and more to determine what the problem is. Starter Motor The starter motor is an essential component in the ignition system. It is responsible for turning the engine so that it can suck in air, which is required to ignite the fuel. It is typical that the starter motor will be at fault when your car isn't turning over. There are a few troubleshooting techniques that can help you identify the problem and fix it. When you turn on your car's ignition key, a switch within the starter activates a pinion gear that fits into grooves in the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel, which in turn begins the engine. The gear retracts when you release the key to prevent damage. There are a myriad of things that can cause problems in the starter motor, for example, an electrical issue in the internal windings, mechanical issues (such as teeth not connecting to the pinion gear or flywheel) or a dead battery. A malfunctioning starter motor may sound like a dead cell phone battery. It can make a clicking sound when it tries to turn the engine over. The state of charge and the battery's terminals will be examined by a mechanic when the starter motor fails to work. If the battery is low or has rust on its terminals, it will require charging or replaced. Depending on how serious the issue is, the mechanic can also test the solenoid with a multimeter. The solenoid is a huge magnet switch, delivers an energy surge from the thick batteries cables to the starter. The switch connects the long cable from the battery to the starter's windings which turn the motor. It also triggers an axis rod to trigger an engaging fork which pushes the pinion to automatically engage with the flywheel. Another option is to disable the ignition switch with the jumper wire. This is a temporary solution but it shouldn't be recommended unless you are able to do it correctly. You'll need to be careful about routing the jumper wire through the battery terminals, and ensure that the switch is set to the “Start” position. Ignition Switch The ignition switch is where you insert your car key. The system uses this to start the engine and send electric current to the starter. However it isn't immune to wear and tear as other components of the car. The switch could also get stuck in its slot or even locked. You should check for problems regularly to identify the problem before the car won't start. It could be locked if your key is difficult to turn or becomes stuck in the ignition. This is a common issue for many vehicles and happens because of a lack of lubrication. Using a graphite or silicone-based oil on the release pin could help. Spray a little into the ignition and try moving the key. If it's stuck, use a piler or hacksaw blade to assist in moving it. An issue with the ignition can also cause other issues. The anti-theft feature may not function or the starter motor may not be able to turn on when you insert the key. This could also cause the other functions to stop functioning or cease to function. A failing ignition can also cause extra wear and tear on other parts. For instance, if carry a bulky keychain or a variety of items on your keychain, it can strain the ignition switch when you insert it in, and could increase the wear on its internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations can impact the materials and lubricants used in the ignition switch. If you've got a new ignition switch, you need to test it before reassembling the steering column and other parts. Check that the replacement works and that the engine starts without any issues. Make sure that the new ignition switch with your vehicle model and model. If you're not sure of your ability to install an ignition switch that is new it could be worth hiring a dealership service shop to do it for you. They can also test and connect any other parts or even replace them.