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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems If your car starts and runs, but the ignition switch won't turn over the spark plugs, there could be a myriad of reasons. Some are simple and inexpensive to fix, while others require special tools and assistance from a mechanic. First, you need to lubricate the socket that holds the key. You can apply graphite powder or silicon aerosol spray. Also, ensure that 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 frequent issue that can be solved with a jump or charging the battery. If this doesn't fix the problem, it is likely that your ignition switch is bad. This component is responsible for transferring power from the battery to other electrical components like the starter motor and the ignition coil. If the ignition switch is defective it won't allow current to flow through, and the engine won't start. The battery is responsible for all the electrical energy that is used in your vehicle. It's a black, insulated box with positive (+) and negative (–) terminals that are on the top. The terminals can become corrosion-prone, which can stop the battery from providing power to the rest of the vehicle. By disconnecting the battery, you can employ a wire bristle get rid of any corrosion. You can also clean the terminals with baking soda. Your car's battery could be at the end of its life and will require replacement. A new battery will provide the correct voltage to the spark plugs in your vehicle, which is required for a properly working engine. The ignition coil is responsible for changing low voltage from the battery into high voltage that can ignite the spark plugs in your car to start the engine. If the ignition coil is damaged and not functioning properly, it will not be able spark the plugs. Your engine won't start. You can test the ignition coil by looking for a spark in the engine or turning the key to see if the engine turns over. It is also possible to replace your starter motor. If you hear a grinding noise when you turn on your ignition, it's a sign that the bearings within the starter are starting to wear out. It can be an expensive repair, so it's best to replace your starter motor when you begin to notice signs of wear. The replacement of the starter motor is an easy process that requires replacing some bolts and parts. Alternator The alternator is an appliance that charges your battery when your engine is running. It also powers your car's electrical components. If you suspect that there is a issue with your alternator, you should test the battery first. This will enable you to determine if your alternator draining the battery or if the battery is old and needs replacement. While the vehicle is idle the alternator supplies power to the dash light and radio. It also powers the windshield wipers as well as the power windows, the electric steering, the heated seats and the power windows. You can use a voltage meter to examine your battery and alternator for the proper voltage levels. If your battery's voltage is lower than 6 volts, then it needs to be charged or replaced immediately. A low or dead batteries will also prevent the starter from turning the engine over and may require additional jumper cables in order to start your vehicle. Before you begin removing the alternator, switch off the ignition and lock all doors. It is also important to disconnect the negative cable from the battery, tuck it away in a safe place and put on the safety equipment. Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual for instructions on how to gain access to the alternator as well as any other components you'll need to remove. Once you've removed the belt, if your vehicle has one, disconnect the warning light wire from the back of the alternator. This will usually connect directly to a terminal on the alternator that's marked WL or IND. G28CarKeys have a separate relay to perform this function. If your warning light does not blink, it's likely that there is an issue with your vehicle. You should check regularly your alternator for any indications of a malfunction. You can carry out certain of these tests by yourself, however it is best to bring your vehicle to Les Schwab so that they can inspect it and offer you advice from a professional. Our technicians can test for corrosion on your battery, battery posts (+ and –), fuses, relays as well as voltage output and cold starting amps and much more. Starter Motor The starter motor is a crucial component of the ignition system. It turns the engine to allow air to be sucked in, which is needed to ignite the fuel. It is quite common that the starter motor will be the cause when your car won't turn over. There are many troubleshooting techniques that can assist you in identifying and fixing the issue. When you turn on your car's ignition key, a switch inside the starter activates a pinion gear that fits into grooves in the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel that begins the engine. When you release the key, the pinion gear retracts, and is released from the flywheel, thereby preventing damage. The starter motor can be affected by a number of things, such as mechanical issues (such as teeth that don't mesh on the flywheel) or dead cells. A faulty starter motor can sound like a dead phone battery. It can make a clicking sound as it tries to turn the engine around. If the starter motor doesn't work, one of the first things a mechanic should look at is the state of charge on the battery and its terminals. If the battery is damaged or is depleted it must be charged or replaced. Depending on how serious the issue is, a mechanic could also test the solenoid with a multimeter. The solenoid, which is a large magnet switch, sends an energy surge from the thick batteries cables to the starter. This switch essentially connects the long battery cable to the windings inside the starter that actually turn the electric motor and also pushes the rod, which turns an engaging fork which is then pushed by the pinion gear to automatically engage with the flywheel. Another option is to disable the ignition switch by using an extension wire. This is a temporary option however it shouldn't be a recommendation unless you are able to do it correctly. 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 keys into the car. This allows the system to enable electrical flow to your starter and then start the engine, but it isn't immune to wear and tear as other car parts. The switch can also get stuck in its slot or be locked. It's important to check it frequently for issues so you can take action before the car doesn't start. It could be locked if the key is difficult to turn or gets stuck in the ignition. This is a problem that occurs in a variety of vehicles due to a lack of grease. Using a silicone or graphite-based lubricant on the release pin could help. Spray some lubricant onto the ignition, and then move the key. If it's stuck, employ a piler or hacksaw blade to help move it. An issue with the ignition can also lead to other problems. The anti-theft device may not function, or the starter motor may not crank when you put in the key. This can also cause the secondary functions to stop working or stop functioning. A malfunctioning ignition switch could also cause a lot of extra wear and tear on other parts. For example, if you carry a bulky keychain, or several items on your keychain it could strain the ignition switch when you plug it in and can accelerate the wear on its internal components. Extreme temperature changes can also impact the materials and lubricants used in the ignition switch. It's important to test the new ignition switch prior to assembling the other components and the steering column. Make sure that the new ignition switch functions and that your engine is running smoothly. 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 a new ignition switch it could be worth employing a dealership service shop to install it for you. They can also test and connect other components or replace them.