How to fix car ignition (over here) Switch Problems
If your car is running and starts, but the ignition switch won’t switch over the spark plugs, there could be a variety of reasons for this. Some are easy and cheap to fix, others require specialized tools and help from an expert mechanic.
Lubricate the socket before you use it. You can apply graphite powder or silicon spray. Also, make sure the ignition cylinder is free of obstructions and loose springs.
Battery
It could be that your battery is dying if your vehicle won’t start. This is a common issue that can be solved by getting an extra jump or charging the battery. If this does not fix the problem the ignition switch could be bad. This component is responsible for transferring power from the battery to other electrical components, such as the starter motor as well as the ignition coil. If the ignition switch is not working properly, it won’t allow current to pass through and the engine will not start.
The battery is the source of all the electrical energy you use in your vehicle. It’s a black box with positive (+) and negative (-) terminals that are on the top. The terminals can be corrosion-prone, which can stop the battery from supplying power to the rest of the vehicle. You can clean the battery’s terminals by disconnection of the battery and using a wire brush to get rid of any corrosion. You can also apply baking soda to clean the terminals.
It is also possible that your car’s battery has just reached the end of its lifespan and requires replacement. A new battery will provide the right voltage to your vehicle’s spark plugs which is essential to ensure that your engine is running properly.
The ignition coil converts low voltage from your battery into high voltage, which causes it to ignite 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. You can test the ignition coil by checking for a spark in the engine or turning the key and observing whether the engine spins.
You may have to replace the starter motor too. 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. This can be a costly repair therefore it is recommended to replace the motor of your starter early when you see any signs of wear and wear and tear. The starter motor can be replaced by replacing some bolts and other parts.
Alternator
The alternator is an appliance 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 first test the battery. This will allow you to determine if the alternator is causing the battery to drain or your battery is simply old and requires to be replaced.
While the vehicle is idle the alternator supplies power to the dash lights as well as the radio. It also powers the windshield wipers as well as the power windows, the electric steering, 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 should be replaced or charged immediately. Batteries that are dead or not charged will also stop the starter from turning the engine over and will require additional jumper cables in order to start your car.
Before you begin removing the Alternator, shut off the ignition and secure all doors. Also, disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then tuck it away in a safe location and put on safety equipment. Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual for instructions on how to access 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 side of the alternator. The wire will connect directly to the alternator terminal identified WL or IN. Certain vehicles, however, have a separate relay for this function. If your warning light doesn’t blink, you may think about a different cause.
It is recommended to regularly check your alternator for indications of a malfunction. While you can perform some of the checks yourself, it’s best to bring your vehicle to Les Schwab for a no-cost inspection and expert advice. Our technicians can check for corrosion on your battery, battery posts (+ and -), fuses, relays and voltage output, cold starting amps, and much more.
Starter Motor
The starter motor is an essential element of the ignition lock repair system. It turns the engine so that air can be sucked in which will ignite the fuel. When your car won’t start it’s typically caused by a problem with the starter motor. There are a number of troubleshooting techniques to help you determine the issue and resolve it.
When you turn on your vehicle’s ignition key, a switch inside the starter activates a pinion gear that fits into grooves of the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel, which begins the engine. When you release the key the pinion gear retracts, and disengages from the flywheel to prevent damage.
There are a myriad of things that could cause problems in the starter motor, such as an electrical problem in the internal windings, mechanical issues (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 when it attempts to turn the engine, but won’t.
If the starter motor doesn’t work One of the first things a mechanic would check is the state of charge on the battery and its terminals. If the battery is corroded or is low it must be recharged or replaced.
Depending on how serious the issue is, a mechanic could also test the solenoid with a multimeter. The solenoid is a huge magnet switch, delivers an electric current from the long battery cables to the starter. This switch basically connects the thick battery cable to the wires inside the starter that actually activate the electric motor, plus it pushes a rod that actuates an engaging fork, which will then push the pinion gear to automatically engage with the flywheel.
A jumper wire can be used to bypass the ignition. This is an option for a short-term fix that you should not try it unless confident about how to do it. You’ll need to carefully route the jumper wire to battery terminals and make sure the switch is in the “Start” position.
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is the place where you insert your car key. This switch is used by the system to start the engine and send an electrical current to the starter. However it isn’t immune to wear and tear as other components of the car. The switch can also get stuck inside its slot or be locked. It’s important to check it regularly for problems so that you can act prior to the car not starting.
It could have been locked if the key is difficult to turn or becomes stuck in the ignition. This issue occurs in a variety of vehicles because of a lack grease. You can make use of a graphite or silicone-based grease to lubricate the release pin. Spray some lubricant into the ignition, and then move the key. If it’s stuck then try using a hacksaw or piler blade.
A problem with the ignition may lead to other problems. The anti-theft feature could stop working or the starter motor might not start when you insert the key. It could also cause other functions to stop working or cease to function altogether.
A damaged ignition switch could cause lots of wear and tear on other components. If you own keys that have multiple items, or a bulky one, it can put strain on the ignition switch and accelerate wear on the internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations may affect the materials and lubricants in the ignition switch.
It’s important to test the new ignition lock repair switch prior to assembling the other components and the steering column. Make sure the replacement ignition switch works and that the engine starts smoothly. Verify the compatibility of the new ignition switch with your vehicle model and make. If you’re unsure of your ability to install a new ignition switch you might consider hiring a service shop at a dealership to do it for you. They can also test and connect other parts or even replace them.