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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems If your car is running and starts, but the ignition switch won't turn on the spark plugs, there may be a variety of causes. Some are simple and cheap to fix, while others require special equipment and the assistance of mechanics. Lubricate the key socket first. You can use graphite powder or a silicon spray. Also, ensure that the ignition cylinder is free of any obstructions and loose springs. Battery It could be that your battery is dead when your car isn't starting. This is a common issue that can be resolved by a battery charge or the jump. If this doesn't solve the problem your ignition switch could be defective. This component supplies battery power to other electrical components, including the starter motor and ignition coil. If the ignition switch is defective it won't permit current to flow through, and the engine won't start. The battery is the main source of the electrical energy that is used in your vehicle. The battery is a black box with positive (+) and negative (–) terminals on the top. The terminals can become corroded, preventing the battery from supplying power to the rest the vehicle. Clean the battery terminals by disconnecting the battery and using a wire brush to eliminate any corrosion. You can also clean the terminals with baking soda. Your car battery may also be at the end of its life and will require replacement. A new battery will provide the correct voltage to your vehicle's spark plugs. This is necessary for a functioning engine. The ignition coil converts low voltage from your battery into high voltage that causes the spark plugs inside your car and then start the engine. If the ignition coil is defective it will not be able to spark the plugs, and the engine won't start. The ignition coil can be inspected by checking the engine for sparks or turning the key to check whether it is turning. You may need to replace the starter motor, too. If you hear a grating sound when you turn on your ignition, it's a sign that the bearings inside the starter are starting to wear out. It could be a costly repair, so it's best to replace your starter motor immediately if you detect signs of wear. It's a relatively simple process that requires replacing some bolts and parts. Alternator The alternator is an appliance that recharges your battery while your engine is running. It also is the power source for your car's electrical components. Test the battery first if you suspect your alternator may be malfunctioning. This will enable you to determine if the alternator is draining the battery or if the battery is old and in need of replacement. While the vehicle is in idle, the alternator provides power to the dash light and radio. It also powers the windshield wipers, the power windows, the electric steering, the heated seats, and the power windows. You can use a voltmeter test 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. Batteries that are dead or not charged can also stop the starter from turning the engine on and may require additional jumper cables to begin your car. Before you begin removing the alternator, ensure the ignition is off and that all doors are locked. You should also disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then tuck it away in a safe place and put on your safety gear. Check out a repair manual that is specific to your vehicle to get instructions on how to remove the alternator, or any other component. After car ignition barrel replacement 've removed your belt, if the vehicle 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 labeled WL or IND. Some vehicles have a separate relay that can perform this function. If the warning light doesn't come on, you should suspect a different problem. The alternator is a crucial component of your vehicle, and you must inspect it regularly for signs of problems. You can carry out some of these checks yourself, but it is recommended to bring your vehicle to Les Schwab so they can look it over and provide you with expert advice. Our highly trained technicians can examine your battery, battery posts (the terminals marked + and +) for corrosion relays, fuses, voltage output and cold cranking amps, and more to determine what the issue is. Starter Motor The starter motor is an essential element of the ignition system. It rotates the engine so that air can be sucked in, which is needed to ignite the fuel. If your car won't start, it is often caused by a problem with the starter motor. There are a few ways to troubleshoot that can help you identify the problem and fix it. When you turn on your vehicle's ignition key, a switch inside the starter activates a pinion gear that fits into grooves in the flywheel. The pinion gear then turns the flywheel, which starts the engine. The gear retracts when you remove the key, thereby preventing damage. There are a myriad of things that can be wrong in 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 will just sound like a dead battery; it will make a clicking sound as it tries to turn the engine, but won't. If the starter motor isn't functioning One of the first things a mechanic should check is the state of charge of the battery and its terminals. If the battery has corrosion or is not functioning properly, it will need to recharged or replaced. Depending on the degree of the problem The mechanic can also test the starter solenoid with a multimeter. The solenoid is a huge magnet switch, sends an energy surge from the battery cables to the starter. The switch connects the thick battery cable to windings within the starter, which activate the electric motor and also pushes the rod, which turns an engaging fork, which is then pushed by the gear that pinions to automatically engage with the flywheel. A jumper wire can be used to disable the ignition. This is only an option for a short-term fix that you should not try it unless you're sure 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 keys into the car. This will allow electrical flow to your starter and to start the engine, however it isn't immune to wear and tear like other car components. The switch can also get stuck in its slot or become locked. You should be looking for issues regularly so you can act before the car stops working. It could have been locked if the key is difficult to turn or gets stuck in the ignition. This is a common problem for many vehicles and is because of a lack of lubrication. You can apply a graphite- or silicone-based lubricant to lubricate the release pin. Spray some lubricant on the ignition and then turn the key. If it's stuck, try using a piler or hacksaw blade. An issue with the ignition can also lead to other problems. The anti-theft feature could not function or the starter motor may not turn on when you insert the key. This could also cause the auxiliary functions to stop working or cease to function. A damaged ignition may cause extra wear and tear to other parts. For instance, if have a large keychain, or several items on your keychain, it can strain the ignition switch when you plug it in and can accelerate the wear and tear on its internal components. Extreme temperature changes can also affect the lubricants and materials used in the ignition switch. If you've got a new ignition switch, it's crucial to test it before reassembling the steering column and the other components. Be sure that the replacement ignition switch is working and that the engine starts smoothly. Make sure that the new ignition switch with your vehicle model and make. It might be worth it to have a dealership 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 components that need to be connected or replaced.