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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems If your car starts and runs, but the ignition switch doesn't turn on the spark plugs, there may be a number of reasons for this. Some are simple and cheap to fix, while others require specialized equipment and help of a mechanic. The first step is to lubricate the socket of the key. You can use either graphite powder or silicon aerosol spray. Also, make sure the ignition cylinder is free of any obstructions and loose springs. Battery If your car isn't starting, it could be because the battery is dead. This is a frequent issue which can be fixed with either charging your battery or an electrical jump. If this does not fix the problem your ignition switch could be bad. The switch is the one that supplies battery power to the other electrical components, like the starter motor and ignition coil. If the ignition switch is damaged, it is not able to allow current pass through and the engine won't start. The battery is responsible for all the electrical energy you use in your car. The battery is a black, slender box with positive (+) and negative (–) terminals at the top. The terminals may become corrosion-prone, which can stop the battery from providing power to the rest the vehicle. By disconnecting the battery you can make use of a wire bristle to remove any corrosion. You can also apply baking soda to clean the terminals. It's possible that your vehicle's battery has just reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced. A new battery will supply the proper voltage to the spark plugs in your vehicle which is necessary to ensure that your engine is running properly. The ignition coil converts the battery's low voltage into high voltage, which causes it to ignite the spark plugs of your car and then start the engine. If the ignition coil is damaged and is not in a position to ignite the plugs and the engine won't 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 also need to replace your starter motor. If you hear a grating sound when you turn the key in your ignition, it's a sign that the bearings inside the starter are beginning to wear out. It can be an expensive repair so it is best to replace your starter motor as soon as you notice signs of wear. The replacement of the starter motor is an easy task that requires the replacement of a few parts and bolts. Alternator The alternator charges your battery and powers the electrical parts of your car when the engine is running. If you suspect that there is a problem with your alternator, you must first test the battery. This will help you determine if your alternator is causing your battery to deplete or if your battery is old and needs to be replaced. Your car's alternator also supplies power for your windshield wipers, dash lights, power windows, electric steering as well as heated seats and your radio while the vehicle is idle. A voltmeter is a tool to determine the voltage of your alternator and battery. If your battery's voltage is lower than 6 volts, then it needs to be replaced or charged as soon as possible. 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, switch off the ignition and secure 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. Check out a specific vehicle repair manual for guidance on how to access the alternator as well as any other parts you need to take off. Once you've removed the belt, if your car has one take off the warning light wire from the back of the alternator. This wire will connect directly to the alternator terminal identified WL or IN. Some vehicles, however have a separate relay for this purpose. If your warning light does not come on, it is likely that there is an issue with your vehicle. It is recommended to regularly check your alternator for indications of a malfunction. While you could perform some of the tests yourself, it's best to bring your vehicle to Les Schwab for a complimentary inspection and expert advice. Our technicians can check for corrosion on your battery, battery posts (+ and +) fuse, relays, and fuses as well as voltage output and cold starting amps and many more. Starter Motor The starter motor is an essential component of the ignition system. car ignition replacement turns the engine over to allow air to be drawn in, which is needed to ignite the fuel. When your car won't start it's typically due to a malfunction in the starter motor. There are a few troubleshooting techniques to help you determine the problem and fix it. When you turn on the ignition of your vehicle the switch inside the starter engages with the pinion gear, which fits into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear then 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 with the starter motor for example, an electrical issue in the internal windings, a mechanical issue (such as teeth no longer meshing with the pinion gear or flywheel) or a dead battery. Often, a faulty starter motor can sound like a dead battery; it'll make a clicking noise as it tries to turn over the engine, but it won't. The charge level and the terminals of the battery will be checked by a mechanic in the event that the starter motor does not work. If the battery is depleted or has rust on its terminals it will need to be charged or replaced. Depending on the extent of the problem, the mechanic could test the starter solenoid with a multimeter. The solenoid, which is a large magnet switch, transmits an electric current from the long battery cables to the starter. This switch connects the thick cable from the battery to the starter's windings which will turn the motor. It also triggers a rod to actuate an engaging fork, which causes the pinion to automatically engage with the flywheel. Another option is to bypass the ignition switch by using a jumper wire. This is a temporary solution but it shouldn't be recommended unless you know how to do it correctly. You'll need to take care 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 the place where you insert your car key. This will enable electrical flow to your starter and to start the engine, however it isn't immune to wear and tear as other car parts. The switch can also become stuck in its slot or even locked. You should check for problems frequently to be able to act before the car stops working. It could be locked if the key is difficult to turn or becomes stuck in the ignition. This is a typical issue for a variety of vehicles and occurs because of a lack of lubrication. You can make use of a graphite or silicone-based oil to lubricate your release pin. Spray some lubricant on the ignition, and then move the key. If it's stuck you can try using a piler or hacksaw blade. An issue with the ignition may lead to other problems. The anti-theft device may not function, or the starter motor might not crank when you put the key in. This can also cause the auxiliary functions to stop working or lose power. A failing ignition can also cause extra wear and tear on other components. If you own keys with many items, or a large one, this could stress the ignition switch, which can cause wear on the internal components. Extreme temperature changes can also affect the materials and lubricants used in the ignition switch. It is important to test the replacement ignition switch prior to reassembling other parts and the steering column. Make sure the replacement ignition switch is working and that your engine starts smoothly. It is also important to confirm that the new ignition switch is compatible with your vehicle's make and model. If you're not sure of your ability to install the new ignition switch you might consider hiring a service shop at a dealership to install it for you. They can also test and connect other parts or even replace them.