Electrical problems with car
I have a few problems with my car. It is difficult to remove the key from the ignition switch, sometimes the hazard lights will come on without using the switch, and the turn signal keeps clicking after I have turned it off.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. The key issue is probably due to a worn ignition cylinder. Replacing the cylinder should do the trick. These vehicles are also known for having the key completely stuck in the ignition due to a failure in the shift interlock. But, since you say the key comes out I would lean more towards the ignition cylinder. As for the hazard lights staying on, the problem could be a failed flasher, a failed switch or a short in the hazard circuit. The clicking from the turn signals indicates a problem with the canceling cam. I suggest you have a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect the electrical components in your vehicle and replace any damaged parts.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Interrupted circuit – An electrical circuit powers your indicator and hazard light bulbs. A damaged or broken wire in the indicator circuit can interrupt the current between the indicator or hazard light bulb(s), limiting or completely stopping the bulb from working.
In most cars, you will most likely need to change the flasher or the fuse, or just readjust the connection. Turn signal light isn`t turning off. This can be dangerous for other cars on the road who think that you are constantly trying to turn or do not know where you are actually going.
Check for a blown circuit fuse. Verify that circuit connections are not loose, corroded, or unplugged. Inspect the wiring harness or terminals for the rear section of the circuit. Check for a bad connection between the turn signal switch and the flasher or between the flasher and the ignition switch.
If you`re slowing down to exit the highway due to an unexpected problem, think twice before using your hazards. As we mentioned before, turn signals are generally disabled when your flashers are on.
Like all of the lights on and in a vehicle, turn signals rely on a fuse. When the fuse blows, electric power to the turn signals will be shut off entirely. Burnt out bulbs: As with all light bulbs, turn signal lights can burn out and die.
A blinker fuse is any fuse that burns through a line of blinkers.
The alternator is supposed to provide the electricity for your car`s lights. If there`s not enough power to run your lights because your alternator isn`t working properly, they may run too dim, flicker, or not run at all.
A turn signal relay (also known as a flasher relay) is the electronic device that controls your car`s turn signal lights. The clicking sound when you activate your turn signals usually comes from the turn signal relay.
Your hazard lights are the same lights used to signal that you`re turning. When you press the hazard light button on your car, it turns on all four flashers at the same time. Both turn signal lights on the dash will also light up and flash in time with your hazards.
An incandescent turn signal bulb uses about 1.8 amps while an LED turn signal uses 0.25 to 0.45 amps.
The turn signal switch`s current travels down its dedicated wire to the bright filament and the running light`s current is supplied to a separate wire leading from the light switch. At the rear are also dual filament bulbs. The bright filament is usually shared between the brake lights and the turn signals.
Green is for the right turn signal. Yellow is for left turn signal. White is ground, and brown is for the trailer`s taillights.
Hazard lights and turn signals use the same bulb, so it is not the bulb, the lamp, or the cables to them. Turn signals only work when the ignition is on; hazard lights work whether the ignition is on or not. The two systems have separate power supplies, so they have separate fuses. You may have a blown fuse.
If the turn signal stays solid on the dash instead of blinking, that typically indicates a failed bulb. If the bulb is not the issue, check the connector at the turn signal for both power and ground. It looks like both turn signal bulbs share the same ground point, but the ground side wiring could be faulty.
If the turn signal stays solid on the dash instead of blinking, that typically indicates a failed bulb. If the bulb is not the issue, check the connector at the turn signal for both power and ground. It looks like both turn signal bulbs share the same ground point, but the ground side wiring could be faulty.
Hazard warning lights are a pair of intermittent flashing indicator lights that flash in unison to warn other drivers that the vehicle is a temporary obstruction. They are also called hazard flashers and hazard lights.
Emergency flashers or hazard lights are activated when a driver pushes the hazard light button/switch. The lights warn other drivers of an emergency situation you may be in or that your car is parked on the side of the road.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Battery and oil light come on when trying to start car, take keys out try again car starts no problem and lights go away
ANSWER : Of course, don’t switch gears without being fully stopped, unless your Owner’s Manual or the manufacturer has alternative advice. However, the gear shift issue has no relation to the no-start problem you are describing. Inasmuch as you only have 6,000 miles on the car, the "constant on and off" that you believe has occurred is meaningless in comparison to the expected total vehicle service life. That is, assume what you perceive as "constant on and off", during merely 6,000 miles, might be equivalent to using the car "normally" for three years. A new car should be trouble free for at least 5 years, unless there is a defect, so your "constant on and off" is not a causal factor for any fault on the vehicle. What you might have is a defect in the ignition switch, or perhaps the immobilizer system, but if the problem is not in the switch itself, clearly there is an electrical problem.
If your vehicle is under warranty, by law the dealer MUST repair the issue you are describing within a prescribed time frame and number of "attempts", otherwise the dealer will run afoul of Federal and state Lemon Laws that give you very specific rights, and recourse (contact an Attorney; we are Mechanics, NOT attorneys). Consequently, if the vehicle is still under warranty, to save yourself money do be sure to seek a resolution from the dealer. If the vehicle is not under warranty, obviously a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could identify the electrical fault and resolve this for you. If you want to go that route, please simply request a no start diagnostic -electrical system and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
I put the wrong key in my car and a few weeks later my car just shut down and it will not start I believe it’s the computer but…
ANSWER : Hi there. What had happened is the wrong key set the security to the vehicle. This is to prevent the vehicle from starting with the wrong keys. Try removing the battery cables (+) and (-) for 13 minutes. During that time, put the original key in the ignition and turn it on. Activate everything in the car even though there is no power. Then remove the key and hook up the battery cables. The computer should have reset and reset the security. If the security is still being tripped, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you
Connect battery up to car, car then tries to start by its self without key in ignition. What can be problem
ANSWER : Hello, thanks for writing in about your Oldsmobile Aurora. A bad starter solenoid could make the starter run, but would not activate the ignition switch, so the engine could crank but not run on its own. I would recommend testing and/or replacing the starter solenoid. If you need assistance with fixing this issue, contact a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, to diagnose the starting issue firsthand and help you make the necessary repairs.
Replaced alternator on car 2 times each time shows it’s charging 14v let car run for a little bit then test drive and car voltage
ANSWER : There are reports that the replacement alternators will not communicate with the engine computer and will not charge correctly. I recommend using only the manufacturer approved replacement part. It can be new or remanufactured but approved for use in the vehicle. Some lower cost alternators on the aftermarket will have charging problems since they will not communicate with the ECM on the vehicle and will stop charging.
My car is Renault megane 2003 model manual, my problem is the car stooped it self in the road light & it cant start now.
ANSWER : Hello and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. There are 3 things that could cause the symptoms that you are currently experiencing. One is the ignition coils getting too hot and failing.
The second is the trigger to the ignition coils could be cutting out. The camshaft and crankshaft sensors are what control the trigger to the ignition coils. If one of the sensors are not responding correctly, then the trigger may get dropped by the computer. The computer would shut down the engine to prevent any problems.
The third problem that could effect this issue is a faulty neutral safety switch on the clutch. Check the harness and wires to the switch on the clutch and see if they are clean and free from corrosion. Make sure that the switch is not binding up or sticking. I recommend replacing the neutral safety switch, then retesting. If the system continues, then replace the crankshaft and camshaft sensors. If the symptoms are still present, then the computer is locking the trigger out and shutting off the engine. Then you would need to flash or replace the computer. If you would like to have an expert scope this out in person, a qualified professional from YourMechanic can diagnose the stalling issue and let you know exactly what needs repair.
My car has a fuel injector problem, how can I free myself from this problem?
ANSWER : Hi there:
In most cases, the symptoms you’re describing are related to fuel delivery problems; with components such as the Mass Airflow Sensor, TPS (Throttle Position Sensor), or the throttle body itself being damaged, having faulty connections or simply being dirty and need to be cleaned. The only way to know for certain is to have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, complete a Check Engine Light inspection so they can download any stored error codes that might be an indicator of a problem that hasn’t showed up yet on the dashboard.
My car will be starting perfect and when the gas tank gets lower it will start having problems .
ANSWER : Based on the information you gave, it sounds like a possible fuel starvation issue, caused by a partially blocked, in-tank fuel filter or a crack in the fuel pump housing. The remedy would be to replace the fuel pump assembly and filter. The overheating may be caused by several things, including a stuck thermostat, faulty water pump, or even a cracked head gasket. I suggest having a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, inspect the relevant systems to pinpoint the cause of your vehicle’s hard starting issue and overheating problem.
Been having starting problems when car is cold thought it was starter motor. Now car sometimes does not accelerate when i hit gas
ANSWER : If you suspect the starter motor, I would never recommend replacing a part such as this from the junk yard. If the vehicle is starting fine now and acceleration is the only problem, it is possible that a trouble code may have been thrown to set a check engine light. I would recommend having the codes pulled by a qualified professional to aid in the diagnosis of this issue. Once any trouble codes are found, the technician will be more clear on what is causing this issue. Consider YourMechanic as a check engine light inspection can be performed at your home or office.
