The ignition system is a very critical component of a car. Whether it’s a mechanical ignition system which uses a key or an electric ignition system which uses a press and start button, every car needs an ignition to power on and turn off.

The ignition system is designed to relay power from the battery to the starter solenoid, which then activates the starter to spin over the engine. When this process is activated properly, it causes the ignition switch’s circuit to shut the engine or turn it on.

However, this process is often interrupted by a lot of issues which is mostly from wear and tear of the ignition system. But sometimes it could be from corroded battery terminals, from melted wiring or loose keyhole owing to your driving habits.

How do we know when the ignition system or starter relay has developed a fault or worn out and needs repair or replacement.

To know when the car has battery issues you can read the post on battery issues [url]here[https://www.autosage.ng/?s=battery].

Here are a few of the symptoms of a damaged or worn out starter relay If your car develops any of these signs and symptoms, it is time to take it to a proper mechanic to examine it and replace the worn out parts.

The vehicle does not start

When you insert the key into the ignition and the car won’t crank at all, then it’s most probably any of the components of the ignition system that has worn out. It could just be the circuit has failed. A check on other possible places might be worth awhile, but the bear it in mind, don’t ignore the ignition system.

Starter stays on after the engine started

The starter light should go off immediately you turn on the engine. But if the starter light stays on and the engine is on, then the contact in the starter relay has welded together in the closed position and can’t open when it should. Because of this, the starter relay will get stuck in the on position and damage the starter which controls the on-off system.


So if you experience this sign, it is time to visit a mechanic and let him examine the car starter relay contacts.

Intermittent issues starting the vehicle

Sometimes when you insert the key into the ignition hole, the car won’t crank at all. Then you remove the key and insert it again, the engine cranks once. This kind of intermittent starting issue is caused by wrong connection or an exposed wiring under the hood that has become dirt and or corroded.

There is a need for you to attend to it right away without letting it deteriorate to something worse. You can read my post on why your car refuses to start here.

Clicking sound coming from the starter

When your car gives that cranking sound when you start the engine, it is likely a problem of the starter relay. When you turn on the ignition you may hear a sound like kiikikikikikikikikik, and then silence. This may also be a battery issue, but it may also be a relay issue when the relay is not able to send full current.

Facts About Ignition System

Meanwhile, most of the relay issues I have seen are with older vehicles. When a vehicle has stayed dormant for a while without use, most of the electrical components begin to rust and corrode. Some connections may even melt together under intense heat which will damage and obstruct the cars’ functions.

Again, when cars come into this country we do know what conditions they have been in. some of the cars have spent more than three years at the garage or port before they were shipped down here. And some of the cars were also involved in a flood. Some were involved in some kind of disasters we are not aware of. Most of these problems start from there.

Click here [https://www.autosage.ng/car-wont-start-ignition-bad/]to read my post on what to know before buying a used car in Nigeria[/url].

After you buy a tokunbo car in Nigeria, try to service the ignition system. Some of those imported cars even when they have been washed clean, there will be rust in the ignition system.

TIP: Do not have many keys along with your car key. If the car key is too heavy for the ignition system, it will pull the ignition socket down. This will widen the keyhole as time goes on and cause excessive wear and tear. In the long run, it won’t be able to hold your key firm again.