10 Essentials About Fix Car Ignition You Didn't Learn At School
How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems
If your car starts and runs, but the ignition switch won't switch over the spark plugs, there may be a myriad of reasons for this. Some are simple and inexpensive to fix, others require special tools and assistance from a mechanic.
Lubricate the key socket first. You can apply graphite powder or silicon spray. Make sure that the ignition cylinder is clean and has no loose springs or obstructions.
Battery
It could be that your battery is dead when your car won't start. This is a common problem which can be fixed with either charging your battery or an electrical jump. If this doesn't fix the issue, your ignition switch may 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 allow current to flow through it and the engine will not start.
The battery is the source of all the electrical energy that is used in your vehicle. It's a black box with positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on top. The terminals can become damaged, preventing the battery from providing electricity to the rest of the vehicle. Clean the battery's terminals by disconnection of the battery and using a wire brush to eliminate any corrosion. You can also use baking soda as a solution to clean the terminals.
ignition and key replacement in your car could be at the end of its life and will require replacement. A new battery will supply the correct voltage to your vehicle's spark plugs which is necessary to ensure a functioning engine.
The ignition coil converts low voltage from your battery into high voltage that causes the spark plugs in your car and then start the engine. If the ignition coil is damaged and is not in a position to ignite the plugs and your engine will not start. The ignition coil can be inspected by checking the engine for sparks or turning the key to see whether it spins.
You might also have to replace the starter motor. If you hear a grinding sound as you turn the ignition key, this means that the starter bearings are wearing out. This could be a costly repair, so it's recommended to replace the starter motor early on in the event that you notice signs of wear and wear. Changing the starter motor is an easy task that involves replacing a few parts and bolts.
Alternator
The alternator is the one that charges your battery and also powers the electrical components of your car while the engine is running. Check the battery first if you suspect your alternator is malfunctioning. This will enable you to determine if the alternator is draining the battery or if the battery is old and needs replacement.
Your car's alternator also supplies the power to the dashboard lights, windshield wipers, power windows, electric steering, heated seats and your radio even when the vehicle is idle. You can use a voltmeter test your battery and alternator for proper voltage levels. If your battery's voltage is lower than 6 volts, it should be charged immediately or replaced. A low or dead battery can also stop the starter motor from cranking the engine over and will require more jumper cables to start your car.
Before you begin to dismantle the alternator, switch off the ignition and lock all doors. Remove the negative cable and secure it. Wear safety equipment. Check out a specific vehicle repair manual for instructions on how to gain access to the alternator and any other components you'll need to take off.
If your vehicle has a warning light wire, you can remove it from the back of the generator following removing the belt. This will usually connect directly to an alternator's terminal that is marked either WL or IND. Some vehicles, however have a separate relay for this function. If your warning light does not blink, you may be able to identify a different issue.
The alternator is a vital component of your vehicle, and you must check it frequently for signs of problems. While you could perform some of the checks yourself, it's best to bring your vehicle into Les Schwab for a no-cost inspection and expert advice. Our highly trained technicians can examine your battery posts, battery (the terminals marked + and -) for corrosion, fuses, relays as well as voltage output as well as cold cranking amps and more to determine what the problem is.
Starter Motor
The starter motor is an important component of the ignition system. It is responsible for turning the engine so that it can suck into air, which is essential to ignite the fuel. It is quite common that the starter motor will be the cause of your car won't turn over. There are a few ways to troubleshoot that can help you identify the issue and resolve it.
When you turn on your vehicle's ignition key, a switch within the starter turns on a pinion-gear that fits into grooves of the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel that starts the engine. When you release the key the pinion gear retracts, and disconnects from the flywheel, thereby preventing damage.
There are many things that could go wrong with the starter motor, such as an electrical problem in the internal windings, mechanical issues (such as teeth not connecting to the pinion gear or flywheel) or a dead battery. A damaged starter motor could sound like a dead phone battery. It can make a clicking sound as it attempts to turn the engine around.
The state of charge and the terminals of the battery will be examined 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'll need to be charged or replaced.
Depending on how serious the problem is, the mechanic can also test the solenoid using a multimeter. The solenoid, which is a large magnet switch, transmits a surge of power from the thick batteries cables to the starter. This switch connects the bulky cable from the battery to the windings in the starter which turns the motor. It also pushes the rod to activate an engaging fork that pushes the pinion to automatically engage the flywheel.
A jumper wire can be used to bypass the ignition. This is only a temporary fix, and you should not try it unless you're certain of the procedure. You'll need to be careful about routing the jumper wire through the battery terminals and be sure the switch is in the "Start" position.
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is where you insert your key into the car. This will enable electrical flow to your starter and to start the engine, but it isn't immune to wear and tear as other parts of your car. The switch can also become stuck in its place or become locked. It is important to check for issues regularly to identify the problem 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 typical issue for many vehicles and happens because of a lack of lubrication. Using some graphite or silicone-based lubricant on the release pin can help. Spray some lubricant into the ignition, then move the key. If it's still stuck, use a piler or hacksaw blade to help move it.
An ignition problem can cause a variety of other issues as well. The anti-theft system might not function or the starter motor might not turn on when you put the key. This could also cause the auxiliary functions to stop working or stop functioning.
A malfunctioning ignition could cause additional wear and tear to other parts. If you own a keychain with multiple items, or a bulky one, this can cause strain on the ignition switch and increase wear on the internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations may affect the lubricants and materials in the ignition switch.
It is crucial to test the replacement ignition switch prior to reassembling other parts and the steering column. Make sure that the switch works and that the engine is running without issue. Double-check the compatibility of the new ignition switch with the vehicle's model and make. If you're unsure of your ability to install an ignition switch that is new, it might be worth hiring a dealership service shop to do it for you. They can also test and connect other components or even replace them.