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How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems There are a variety of reasons your car might be running and starting but the ignition fails to start the spark plugs. Some are easy and cheap to fix, while others require specialized tools and assistance from a mechanic. Lubricate the key socket first. You can use graphite powder, or a silicon aerosol spray. Make sure that the ignition cylinder is clean and has no loose springs or obstructions. Battery If your car doesn't start, it could be because your battery is dead. ignition barrel replacement near me is a common problem that can be solved with an extra jump or charging the battery. If this doesn't solve the issue, your ignition switch may be bad. This component is responsible for transferring power from the battery to other electrical components such as the starter motor and the ignition coil. If the ignition switch is damaged, it will not allow current to pass through and the engine will not start. The battery is the main source of the electrical energy that is used in your car. It's a black box with positive (+) and negative (–) terminals that are on the top. The terminals can be corroded and stop the battery from providing power to the rest the vehicle. You can clean the battery's terminals by disconnecting the battery and using a wire brush to eliminate any corrosion. You can also use baking soda to help clean the terminals. It's also possible that your car's battery is at the end of its life and is in need of replacement. A new battery will supply the proper voltage to your vehicle's spark plugs. This is crucial for a properly functioning engine. The ignition coil is responsible for changing low voltage from the battery into high voltage that can ignite the spark plugs of your car to start the engine. If the ignition coil is damaged it will not be capable of sparking the plugs, and the engine won't start. The ignition coil can be tested by checking the engine for a spark or turning the key to determine if it turns over. It is possible to replace the starter motor as well. If you hear a grinding sound as you turn on your ignition, this means that the starter bearings are worn out. It could be a costly repair, so it is recommended to replace your starter motor when you begin to detect signs of wear. The starter motor can be replaced by replacing the bolts and components. Alternator The alternator is a device that recharges your battery while your engine is running. It also provides power to your car's electrical parts. If you suspect that there is a problem with your alternator, you must first test the battery. This will allow you to determine if your alternator is causing your battery to deplete or if your battery is simply old and requires to be replaced. The alternator in your car also provides power for the dash lights, windshield wipers and power windows, electric steering, heated seats and your radio even when the car is running. A voltmeter can be used 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 right away. A dead or low-volt battery will also prevent the starter motor from turning the engine over and will require additional jumper cables to get your car started. Before you start dismantling the alternator, ensure that the ignition is turned off and that all doors are locked. It is also important to disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then tuck it away somewhere safe and put on safety equipment. Consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle to get instructions on how to remove the alternator, or any other components. After you've removed the belt, if your vehicle is equipped with one, disconnect the warning light wire from the side of the alternator. The wire will connect directly to an alternator connector that is marked WL or IN. Some vehicles, however have a separate relay to perform this function. If your warning light doesn't blink, it's likely that you have an issue that is not related to the one you are experiencing. The alternator is a vital part of your vehicle, and you should check it frequently for signs of trouble. While you could perform some of the checks by yourself, you should bring your vehicle into Les Schwab for a free inspection and expert advice. Our technicians will test for corrosion on your battery posts, battery (+ and –) fuse, relays, and fuses as well as voltage output and cold starting amps and much more. Starter Motor The starter motor is an essential element of the ignition system. It is responsible for turning the engine to suck into air, which is essential to ignite the fuel. It is quite common for the starter motor to be at fault when your car doesn't turn. There are a few troubleshooting methods to help you determine the problem and fix it. When you turn the key on your vehicle's ignition, a switch in the starter engages with a pinion gear that fits into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear then turns the flywheel, which begins the engine. When you release the key, the pinion gear retracts and is released from the flywheel to avoid damage. There are a myriad of things that could be wrong with the starter motor including an electrical failure in the internal windings, a mechanical issue (such as teeth not meshing with the pinion gear or flywheel) or a dead battery. A malfunctioning starter motor may sound like a dead cell phone battery. It will make a clicking sound as it tries but cannot turn the engine. If the starter motor isn't working One of the first things a mechanic would examine is the condition of charge of the battery and its terminals. If the battery has corrosion or is low it needs to be charged or replaced. Depending on the degree of the problem The mechanic can also test the starter solenoid with a multimeter. The solenoid is a massive magnet switch, delivers a surge of power from the long battery cables to the starter. This switch connects the thick cable from the battery to the starter's windings which turns the motor. It also triggers the rod to activate an engaging fork that pushes the pinion to automatically engage with flywheel. A jumper wire can be used to bypass the ignition. This is an interim solution and you shouldn't try it unless you're sure how to do it. You will need to carefully route your jumper wires to the battery terminals, and make sure that the switch is in the “Start position”. Ignition Switch The ignition switch is the place where you insert your car keys. This will enable electrical flow to your starter and to start the engine, however it's not immune from wear and tear like other parts of your car. The switch can also get stuck inside its slot or become locked. You should be looking for issues frequently to be able to act before your car doesn't start. It could be locked if the key is difficult to turn or becomes stuck in the ignition. This problem occurs in many vehicles due to a lack of oil lubrication. You can apply a graphite- or silicone-based grease to lubricate the release pin. Spray a bit of it into the ignition and then try moving the key. If you're stuck you can try using a hacksaw or piler blade. An ignition problem can lead to a number of other issues, too. The anti-theft feature could not function or the starter motor could not be able to turn on when you insert the key. This can cause auxiliary functions to stop working or stop functioning. A damaged ignition switch could also leave you with lots of wear and tear on other parts. If you own keys that have multiple items, or a bulky one, this can put strain on the ignition switch, which can cause wear on the internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations can also affect the lubricants and materials in the ignition switch. It's important to test the replacement ignition switch before reassembling other parts and the steering column. Make sure the replacement works and that the engine starts without issues. It is also important to confirm that the new ignition switch is compatible with your vehicle's make and model. It might be worth it to have a dealership install the ignition switch for you if you aren't confident in your ability to install it. They can also test and connect any other parts or replace them.