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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems There are a variety of reasons your car may start and run, but the ignition doesn't turn on the spark plugs. Some are simple and inexpensive to repair, while others require specialized equipment and the assistance of mechanics. Lubricate the socket of the key first. You can use graphite powder or silicon aerosol spray. Also, ensure that 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 issue that can be fixed with a jump or charging the battery. If this doesn't fix the issue, it's possible that your ignition switch is bad. This component supplies battery power to other electrical components, like 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 won't begin. The battery is the primary source of electrical energy in your vehicle. The battery is a black box that has positive (+) and negative (–) terminals at the top. The terminals can become corroded, preventing the battery from providing power to the rest the vehicle. By disconnecting the battery, you can make use of a wire bristle to get rid of any corrosion. You can also apply baking soda as a solution to help clean the terminals. It is possible that your vehicle's battery has just reached the end of its life and is in need of replacement. A new battery will supply the correct voltage to the spark plugs in your vehicle which is essential to ensure a functioning engine. The ignition coil is responsible for turning 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 it won't be able to ignite the plugs. Your engine won't start. The ignition coil can be inspected by examining the engine for a spark or turning the key to see whether it spins. It is possible to replace the starter motor, too. If you hear a grating sound when you turn the key in your ignition, it's a sign that the bearings in the starter are starting to wear out. It could be a costly repair, so it's best to replace your starter motor when you begin to detect signs of wear. Changing the starter motor is an easy task that requires replacing the bolts and a few components. Alternator The alternator charges your battery and powers the electrical parts of your vehicle while the engine is running. If you suspect a problem with your alternator, you should first test the battery. lost ignition key will enable you to determine if your alternator is draining the battery or if the battery is old and requires replacement. The alternator in your car also provides power for your dash lights, windshield wipers, electric steering, power windows heated seats, and your radio when the vehicle is idling. A voltmeter can be utilized to check the voltage of your alternator and battery. If your battery has less than 6 volts it should be replaced or charged right away. Batteries that are dead or not charged will also prevent the starter from turning over the engine, and will require additional jumper cables to begin your car. Before you begin dismantling the alternator, make sure the ignition is off and all doors are locked. It is also important to disconnect the negative cable from the battery, tuck it away in a safe location and put on the safety equipment. Refer to a repair manual specific to your vehicle for instructions on how to remove the alternator or any other parts. After you've removed the belt, if your car has one remove the warning light wire from the back of the alternator. This wire will usually connect directly to an alternator's terminal that's marked either WL or IND. Some vehicles have a separate relay to perform this function. If the warning light doesn't come on, you should be able to identify a different issue. The alternator is an essential component of your vehicle, and you should check it frequently for signs of problems. You can carry out certain of these tests yourself, but it's recommended to bring your vehicle into Les Schwab so that they can look it over and offer you advice from a professional. Our technicians will test for corrosion on your battery, battery posts (+ and –) and relays, fuses, as well as voltage output as well as cold starting amps and many more. Starter Motor The starter motor is a crucial component of the ignition system. It is responsible for turning over the engine to draw in air, which is required to ignite the fuel. If your car won't start, it's usually due to a malfunction in the starter motor. There are a number of troubleshooting techniques that can help you diagnose the issue and resolve it. When you turn on your vehicle's ignition key, a switch within the starter engages a pinion-gear that is fitted into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear then turns the flywheel, which then starts the engine. The gear retracts once you release the key to avoid damage. There are a myriad of things that can go wrong with the starter motor, including an electrical failure 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 as it tries to turn the engine but can't. If the starter motor doesn't work One of the first things a mechanic would look at is the state of charge of the battery and its terminals. If the battery is depleted or has corrosion on its terminals, it'll require charging or replaced. Depending on how serious the issue is, the mechanic can also test the solenoid using a multimeter. The solenoid is a large magnetic switch that delivers a rush of power from the thick battery cables to the starter. This switch essentially connects the thick battery cable to the windings inside the starter, which make the electric motor turn as well as it pulls an actuator rod that turns on an engaging fork that will then push the gear that pinions to automatically engage with the flywheel. A jumper wire can be used to disable the ignition. This is only a temporary solution however it shouldn't be a recommendation unless you're able to do it correctly. You'll need to carefully route the jumper wire to battery terminals, and ensure that the switch is set to the “Start” position. Ignition Switch The ignition switch is where you insert your car keys. This will enable electrical flow to your starter and start up the engine, however it isn't immune to wear and tear like other parts of your car. The switch could also get stuck in its slot or locked. You should check for problems regularly so you can act before your car doesn't start. If your key is a struggle to turn or is stuck in the ignition, it may have been locked. This issue is common in vehicles due to a lack of lubrication. You can use a silicone or graphite-based oil to lubricate your release pin. Spray a small amount into the ignition, and then try moving the key. If it's stuck then try using a hacksaw or piler blade. An ignition problem could cause a host of other issues too. The anti-theft system may not function, or the starter motor might not start when you plug the key in. This could also cause the other functions to stop functioning or cease to function. A failing ignition switch can cause a lot of wear and tear on other components. For instance, if you have a large keychain or multiple items on your keychain it can strain the ignition switch when you put it in, and could increase the wear and tear on its internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations may affect the lubricants and materials in the ignition switch. It is important to test the replacement ignition switch prior to assembling the other components and the steering column. Check that the replacement is working and that the engine starts without issues. You should also double-check that the new ignition switch is compatible with your vehicle's make and model. It could be worth it to hire a dealership to install the ignition switch for you, if you aren't confident in your ability to do so. They will also test the replacement and install any other parts that require connecting or replaced.