mum1nuo

Whenever I try to start the car, I hear a loud buzzing noise coming from the inside of the car. I'll turn it to the setting right before it starts and all the lights and electronics will work. But as soon as I turn it to the on/start position a loud buzzing will occur and the car will not start. It usually take a few tries. The other day it would not start at all. The dashboard displays a battery symbol and key symbol she I try to start it. I got my battery charged and it was not the issue as AutoZone said it was good. I believe it is the ignition switch. I need help asap

erg69

I agree, sounds like the ignition switch.

polish_pat

+1

mum1nuo

Thanks. I've been doing research on it and do you know how easy of a fix it is? I'm not a mechanic but if there's a good enough video, then I can manage

polish_pat

Before i invest into an ignition switch, i'd make sure its not the starter solenoid. It could very well be the real problem. It's also easier for you to test if you have a voltmeter.

mum1nuo

I don't have a voltmeter.

polish_pat

Actually, now that I think of it, i'm even more inclined to think its the starter. The way your problem comes randomly and goes away reminds me of a problem I had, and still on occasion have. I replaced my starter about 1 year ago. After the mechanic installed a new one, i was not able to start the car about 50% of the time, my problem was very similar to yours but in my case, there was no buzzing...just silence. I would then remove the key and try again, and the car would start right away. I went back to the garage and he told me it was a lose wire, he fixed it but to this day, maybe once or twice a month, when i turn the key, nothing happens, i turn it a second time, and it starts.

If you dont have a voltmeter, go buy one. It will cost you a lot less then changing the ignition switch, spending hours in that mess of cables under your steering wheel just to realize the problem is still here, they sell for about 30$.

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

i think when my battery was weak or dying it would do this
or when i had a bad connection to the battery

polish_pat

Yes, thats normal. But it this case, something else is restricting power to the starter.

mum1nuo

The ignition switch is only about 50 bucks and one of my friends who's car savvy doesn't believe its the starter because when we start the car, we can hear the clicking of the starter from the outside.

mum1nuo

Update: My brother told me that hes able to start the car perfectly fine when he puts it to neutral. He's taking it to one of his mechanic friends to try and find out what's going on

polish_pat

The clicking doesn't mean anything else than the solenoid cranking but doesn't give enough power to the starter motor. This clicking is low voltage. Its a symptom of both a bad ignition switch, bad battery or starter. If you had a simple voltmeter, you could know exactly where the issue is.

nfnsquared

The buzzing sound means the starter cut relay in the driver's side kick panel is receiving an under voltage. Usually means bad battery, bad battery connections, or bad ignition switch. The switch is less than $50 and is an easy DIY. Do a search, there is a DIY in this forum somewhere.

Do you get the low battery light when you start it in neutral? Could it possibly be a bad neutral safety switch? I don't even know if ATs have such an animal...

polish_pat

Of course! Prevents the car from being started in gear. Very important safety component