10 Fundamentals Concerning Fix Car Ignition You Didn't Learn At School
How to Fix Car Ignition Switch Problems
There are a myriad of reasons your car might be running and starting but the ignition won't start the spark plugs. Some are easy and cheap to fix, while others require specialized tools and assistance from a mechanic.
Lubricate the socket before you use it. You can apply graphite powder, or a silicon aerosol spray. Also, ensure that the ignition cylinder is free of obstructions and springs that are loose.
Battery
If your car isn't starting it could be because the battery is dead. This is a common issue that can be solved with a battery charge or the jump. If this doesn't solve the problem the ignition switch could be defective. This component is responsible for transferring battery power to other electrical components like the starter motor and ignition coil. If the ignition switch is damaged, it won't allow current to flow through and the engine will not start.
The battery is the source of all the electrical energy you use in your car. It's a black, insulated box with positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on top. The terminals can become corroded and prevent the battery from supplying power to the rest of the vehicle. Clean the battery's terminals by disconnection of the battery and using a wire brush to get rid of any corrosion. G28 can also clean the terminals using baking soda as a solution.
It is possible that your vehicle's battery is at the end of its lifespan and is in need of replacement. A new battery will provide the correct voltage to the spark plugs in your vehicle, which is required to ensure a functioning engine.
The ignition coil converts low voltage from your battery into high voltage that causes the spark plugs of your car and start the engine. If the ignition coil is faulty, it won't be in a position to ignite the plugs, and your engine won't start. You can test the ignition coil by checking for a spark in the engine or turning the key and observing whether the engine spins.
You may have to replace the starter motor as well. If you hear a grinding sound as you turn on your ignition it is a sign that the starter bearings are deteriorating. It is a costly repair, so it's best to replace your starter motor as soon as you detect signs of wear. The starter motor can be changed by replacing a few bolts and components.
Alternator
The alternator is the one that charges your battery and powers the electrical parts of your car while the engine is running. Test the battery first if you suspect that your alternator is failing. This will allow you to determine if your alternator draining the battery or if your battery is old and in need of replacement.
Your car's alternator also supplies power for the windshield wipers, dash lights, power windows, electric steering, heated seats and your radio even when the car is running. A voltmeter can be utilized to test the voltage of your alternator and battery. If your battery has less than 6 volts, it must be charged immediately or replaced. A low or dead batteries will also prevent the starter from turning the engine over and may require additional jumper cables to begin your vehicle.
Before you begin dismantling the alternator, ensure that the ignition is off and all doors are locked. Remove the negative cable and store it safely. Wear safety equipment. Consult a vehicle's specific repair manual for guidance on how to gain access to the alternator and any other parts you need to remove.
If your vehicle is equipped with a warning light wire, you can remove it from the back of the generator following taking off the belt. This will usually connect directly to an alternator's terminal that's marked WL or IND. Some vehicles, however, have a separate relay for this function. If your warning light does not appear, it is likely that you have a different issue.
The alternator is a vital component in your vehicle, and you must examine it regularly to look for signs of problems. While you can do some of the checks by yourself, you should bring your vehicle into Les Schwab for a no-cost inspection and expert advice. Our technicians can check for corrosion on your battery, battery posts (+ and +) and relays, fuses, and voltage output, cold starting amps, and more.
Starter Motor
The starter motor is an essential component in the ignition system. It turns the engine over to allow air to be sucked in which will ignite the fuel. When your car won't start it's usually due to a malfunction in the starter motor. There are a few troubleshooting techniques that can help you diagnose the problem and fix it.
When you turn on your car's ignition key, a switch inside the starter engages a pinion-gear that is fitted into grooves on the flywheel. The pinion gear turns the flywheel, which starts the engine. The gear retracts once you release the key to prevent damage.
There are a myriad of things that could go wrong with the starter motor for example, an electrical issue in the internal windings, a mechanical issue (such as teeth not connecting to the flywheel or pinion gear) or a dead battery. A faulty starter motor can sound like a dead cell phone battery. It will make a clicking sound when it attempts to turn the engine around.
If the starter motor isn't working, one of the first things a mechanic should examine is the condition of charge of the battery and its terminals. If the battery is depleted or has rust on its terminals, it'll require charging or replaced.
Depending on how serious the problem is, the mechanic could also test the solenoid using a multimeter. The solenoid is a huge magnet switch, transmits a surge of power from the thick batteries cables to the starter. This switch connects the thick cable from the battery to starter's windings which turns the motor. It also pushes the rod to activate an engaging fork that pushes the pinion to automatically engage with the flywheel.
Another option is to bypass the ignition switch using an extension wire. This is an option for a short-term fix and you shouldn't try it unless sure how to do it. You'll need to be careful to connect your jumper wires 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 key into the car. The system uses this to start the engine and to send an electrical current to the starter. However, it is not immune to wear and tear like other parts of the car. The switch can also become stuck in its slot or locked. It's important to check it frequently for problems so that you can act before the car stops working.
It could have been locked if the key is difficult to turn or becomes stuck in the ignition. This is a common issue for a variety of vehicles and occurs due to a lack lubrication. Using a silicone or graphite-based lubricant on the release pin could aid. Spray a bit of it into the ignition and then try moving the key. If it's still stuck use a piler or hacksaw blade to assist in moving it.
An ignition problem can cause a variety of other issues too. The anti-theft feature may stop working or the starter motor could not be able to turn on when you insert the key. This could also cause the auxiliary functions to stop working or lose power.
A failing ignition switch can also cause a lot of wear and tear on other parts. If you own keys with many items, or a bulky one, it can put strain on the ignition switch, which can cause wear on the internal components. Extreme temperature fluctuations may affect the lubricants and materials in the ignition switch.
It's important to test the replacement ignition switch before reassembling other components and the steering column. Make sure that the new ignition switch works and that the engine starts smoothly. Verify the compatibility of the new ignition switch with your vehicle model and model. It might be worth it to hire a dealership to install the ignition switch for you, if you are not confident about your ability to install it. They will also test the replacement and install any other components that require to be connected or replaced.