Never again will drivers be happy if turning the key does nothing, but the lights stay on. For some, this is quite distressing and annoying. If you were in this circumstance, what would you do? Stop freaking out; this is a typical issue with a straightforward solution.
Most often, it’s due to a defective starter relay or solenoid. Even if the headlight is on and the radio is playing, it could be due to a dead battery. The latter would explain why the light isn’t working properly. The fundamental problem can have other origins.
If you’ve ever wondered why the key doesn’t release any steam when you turn it, this article will fill you in. When the car won’t start—no light, no sound—or when the radio and lights both work—it will inform you what to do.
If the lights turn on when you turn the key, what could be the problem?
Before we go into why some cars won’t start even when we turn the key, let’s take a closer look at how the ignition works. Everything we’ll go over later on will be crystal clear after reading this.
When you turn the key to the “ON” position and insert it into the ignition, the system transmits an electrical signal to the vehicle’s computer. Further rotation of the key causes an electromagnetic force to push the starter solenoid, which in turn causes the gear pinion of the starter motor to move forward, eventually coming into contact with the flywheel.
Solenoid contacts with the starter motor are established by opening a circuit between its electrical terminals. Consequently, the crankshaft spins, and the car is started when the motor pinion turns, torques the flywheel, and so on.
Modern vehicles that feature a push-start button activate the starter motor in response to the simultaneous depressing of the brake and start buttons.
That the vehicle’s engine has the juice to turn over is evident. When you let go of the automobile key, the pinion gear goes back into place, allowing the engine to run on its own. Now we’ll find out why the battery is OK, even though turning the key has no effect.
This situation can go one of three ways. And here they are:
- Completely nothing occurs.
- A single click escaped your ears.
- I can hear the engine cranking, but the car won’t start.
If the lights are on but the key doesn’t turn, what to do?
In order to address the root cause, you must be aware of the symptoms. While the lights, radio, and horns are functioning properly, there is no indication, it is recommended to inspect the starter solenoid, immobilizer, electrical connections, and ignition switch.
Swap out the damaged, frayed, or burned starter solenoid for a fresh one. Verify that you are using the correct key to start the vehicle and that the immobilizer is not the culprit if that doesn’t work. If you try to start the vehicle with a spare key that does not have a transponder, the immobilizer can prevent it. Verify if the vehicle has a beginning security feature and turn it on.
Identifying the electrical connections and the ignition switch should be the next step. To begin, remove any corrosion from the battery terminals and inspect the connections. Additionally, secure any loose connections to the batteries. Ask a mechanic to find out what’s wrong if these solutions don’t work. A defective ignition switch could be the cause.
Conclusion
We have examined the problem and potential solutions for the lack of sound produced by turning the key in the ignition. Now you know what to do if the lights turn on but the key doesn’t work. Whether the engine turns over smoothly, makes a clicking sound, or makes no sound at all, you may quickly identify the likely reasons.
In order to identify and fix the root cause, be sure to follow the preceding instructions to the letter. Get in touch with a mechanic to find out what’s wrong and how to fix it if you’d rather not get your hands filthy.
