The Fix Car Ignition Awards: The Most, Worst, And The Most Bizarre Things We've Seen
How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems
There are a myriad of reasons your car may be running and starting but the ignition won't start the spark plugs. Some are simple and inexpensive to fix, whereas others require specialized equipment and the help of a mechanic.
Lubricate the socket before you use it. You can use graphite powder or a silicon aerosol spray. Also, make sure the ignition cylinder is free of obstructions and loose springs.
Battery
If your car won't start it could be due to the battery being dead. This is a common problem which can be resolved with a jump or charging the battery. If this doesn't fix the problem, your ignition switch may be bad. This component carries battery power to the other electrical components, such as the starter motor and the ignition coil. If the ignition switch is not working properly it will not allow current to flow through, and the engine will not 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 on the top. The terminals could get corroded, preventing the battery from providing electricity to the rest of the vehicle. Clean the battery terminals by disconnecting the battery and using a wire brush to remove any corrosion. You can also clean the terminals using baking soda.
Your car's battery could be nearing the end of its lifespan and will require replacement. A new battery will provide the proper voltage to your vehicle's spark plugs. This is necessary for a functioning engine.
The ignition coil converts the battery's low voltage into high voltage, which causes it to ignite the spark plugs in your car and start the engine. If the ignition coil is faulty, it won't be able to spark the plugs and your engine will not start. You can test the ignition coil by looking whether there is a spark in the engine or turning the key and observing whether the engine spins.
You may need to replace the starter motor too. If you hear a grinding noise when you turn on your ignition, it means that the bearings in the starter are beginning to wear out. It could be a costly repair, so it's best to replace your starter motor immediately if you notice signs of wear. Changing the starter motor is an easy task that requires the replacement of some bolts and parts.
Alternator
The alternator charges your battery and also powers the electrical components of your vehicle while the engine is running. If you suspect that there is a problem with your alternator, you should test the battery first. This will allow you to determine if your alternator is draining the battery or if the battery is old and requires replacement.
While the vehicle is idle the alternator supplies power to the dash lights and radio. It also powers the windshield wipers as well as the power windows, electric steering, heated seats and the power windows. You can use a voltmeter test your battery and alternator to determine the proper voltage levels. If your battery's voltage is lower than 6 volts, it must be charged or replaced immediately. A dead or low-volt battery will also prevent the starter from turning over the engine, and will require additional jumper cables to start your vehicle.
Before you begin to dismantle the alternator, switch off the ignition and lock all doors. Unplug the negative cable and store it safely. Wear safety gear. Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual for guidance on how to access the alternator, as well as any other components you require to take off.
If your car has a warning light wire, you can remove it from the side of the generator after removing the belt. The wire will be connected directly to the alternator terminal identified WL or IN. Some vehicles, however, have a separate relay for this function. If your warning light doesn't blink, it's likely to be an issue that is not related to the one you are experiencing.
It is recommended to regularly check your alternator for any indications of malfunction. You can carry out some of these checks yourself, but it's best to bring your car to Les Schwab so they can look it over and provide you with expert advice. Our technicians will test for corrosion on your battery posts, battery (+ and +) fuse, relays, and fuses as well as voltage output, cold starting amps, and much more.
Starter Motor
The starter motor is an important component of the ignition system. It is responsible for turning the engine so that it can draw into air, which is essential to ignite the fuel. If your car isn't starting, it is often caused by a problem with the starter motor. There are many troubleshooting techniques that can assist you in identifying and fixing the problem.
When you turn on your car's ignition key, a switch in the starter turns on a pinion-gear that is fitted into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel, which begins the engine. When you release the key, the pinion gear retracts, and disconnects from the flywheel to avoid damage.
The starter motor may be affected by a number of factors, including mechanical problems (such as teeth that don't mesh on the flywheel) or dead cells. Often, a defective starter motor can sound like a dead battery. it'll make a click as it tries to turn over the engine, but won't.
The condition of the battery and the battery's terminals will be examined by a mechanic when the starter motor fails to work. If the battery is corroded or is not functioning properly, it will need to charged or replaced.
Depending on how serious the issue is, the mechanic may also test the solenoid with a multimeter. The solenoid is a large magnetic switch that sends a rush of power from the battery cables that are long and thick to the starter. This switch connects the thick cable from the battery to windings in the starter which will turn the motor. It also pushes an axis rod to trigger an engaging fork that pushes the pinion to automatically engage with flywheel.
A jumper wire can be used to bypass the ignition. This is only a temporary fix, and you should not attempt it unless you are confident about how to do it. You'll need to be careful to 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 key. This switch is used by the system to start the engine and to send an electrical current to the starter. However it isn't immune to wear like other components of the car. The switch could also get stuck in its place or become locked. It is important to check for issues regularly so you can act before the car stops working.
It is possible that your key was locked if the key is difficult to turn or gets stuck in the ignition. This problem occurs in many vehicles due to a lack grease. You can make use of a graphite or silicone-based oil to lubricate your release pin. Spray a little into the ignition, and then try moving the key. If ignition lock repair services stuck, employ a piler or hacksaw blade to assist in moving it.
An issue with the ignition could lead to other problems. The anti-theft feature may not work or the starter motor may not start when you insert the key. This can also cause the auxiliary functions to stop working or lose power.
A failing ignition switch can also leave you with a lot of extra wear and tear on other components. For example, if you have a large keychain or a variety of items on your keychain, it could strain the ignition switch when you plug it in, and could increase the wear and tear on its internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations can also impact the materials and lubricants in the ignition switch.
Once you have a replacement ignition switch, it's important to test it before reassembling the steering column and other components. Check that the replacement works and that the engine is running without issue. Also, make sure the new ignition switch is compatible with your vehicle's make and model. If you're unsure of your ability to install a new ignition switch you might consider hiring a service shop at a dealership to complete the task for you. They can also test and connect any other components or even replace them.