Buzzing Sound When Turning Key In Ignition

If you hear a buzzing sound while starting the ignition, the problem likely resides in your car battery.

As a result, your car may take some time to start, or the engine may not get sufficient power to work.

The buzzing sound of cars is quite familiar and occurs in all models. Whether you have a second-hand car or the latest model, these problems can appear at any time.

In most cases, the drivers do not know the precise cause and get certain parts replaced.

However, this does not solve the occurrence of a buzzing sound when turning the key in the ignition. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the problem at the right time.

Causes

Following are some reasons why you might hear the buzzing sound when turning the key in the ignition.

Low Electric Current

Low electric current is one of the most prominent causes of the buzzing sound when turning the key in the ignition.

The low voltage can reduce the cranking motor’s power to initiate the ignition.

The starter motor does not receive sufficient current to power the engine.

The optimum amount of electrical current is necessary for the functioning of the engine flywheel.

In turn, the flywheel helps the engine catch the power to start the car ultimately.

Therefore, such low voltage levels cause the buzzing sound when turning the key in the ignition.

Faulty Flywheel

Some vehicles require the flywheel to ignite the engine. It helps balance the vibrations due to several pistons firing in multiple directions.

The flywheel is necessary to ignite the engine if your car engine does not have several cylinders.

It directly connects with the cranking motor linked with the ignition key. It spins and powers the engine.

It also performs other functions that involve reducing stress or resistance in the engine and maintaining the speed.

The wheel stabilizes the engine movement and prevents any irritating sounds. Any wear and tear in the flywheel can negatively impact the function of the starter motor.

As a result, you hear the buzzing sound when turning the key in the ignition. These sounds only occur when the state of the wheel impacts the cranking motor.

Other forms of faults in the wheel that do not directly impact the motor may not cause ignition issues or buzzing sound when turning the key in the ignition.

Moreover, in case of a damaged flywheel, you also feel vibrations on the accelerator.

The optimal functioning of the wheel is necessary as it provides and stores the energy that the vehicle needs.

Issues With Starter Motor

The starter motor is responsible for igniting your engine. It uses the vehicle’s battery energy to kick start the engine.

A small component called a relay transmits the power between the engine and the starter.

Issues within the starter can cause buzzing sounds when turning the key in the ignition.

You may notice the lights on the car meter and dashboard, but the engine will not work, and you may get a constant clicking sound.

However, other symptoms may result in much more severe consequences.

If you keep turning the key to a car with a faulty starter, smoke may start emitting from your car.

The smoke clouds result from short circuits and fuses burning within the electrical system.

Oil leakage from the engine also affects the starter. It can be responsible for the buzzing sound when turning the key in the ignition.

To find out if damage to the starter is due to oil, you will have to look into the hood.

Battery Problems

The most plausible cause of the buzzing sounds when turning the key in the ignition is multiple battery issues.

There can be faulty wires or short circuits in the electrical system. Moreover, it can also be the terminals that are not functioning correctly.

Their nuts may loosen, causing the battery to have a reduced or no electrical flow.

There can be some electrical circuit problems responsible for the delay in kick-starting the engine.

Furthermore, corrosion or accumulated debris in certain regions may adversely impact the battery’s performance.

Solutions

Below are some of the measures you can employ to reduce the buzzing sound when turning the key in the ignition.

Changing Transmission

In most cases, starting the car in the wrong transmission causes the buzzing sound when turning the key in the ignition.

You can only kick start the engine when the car is either in parking mode or the neutral gear.

Increasing The Voltage

In the case of a low electric current, the supply to the starter is not sufficient for igniting the car. The low voltage issues you can rectify in several ways.

Initially, you can take out the battery and recharge it.

You can also try jumpstarting by connecting your car’s battery terminals with another one.

Afterward, you have to keep the other car in power and ignite your vehicle’s engine until it has sufficient power to produce a much electric current.

It thoroughly spreads the voltage across the electric circuit unit, and you will not hear the buzzing sound when turning the key in the ignition.

Fixing The Flywheel

The faults in the flywheel structure eventually impair its function. It is pretty challenging to resolve these issues by yourself.

Therefore, you must take the vehicle to the mechanic. They will thoroughly assess the condition of the flywheel.

Afterward, they will use specific tools to fix the wheel’s crack and wear and tear.

Furthermore, if the buzzing sound when turning the key in ignition arises, there can be an error in the wiring between the flywheel and starter motor.

Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all the connections between these two components remain stable.

Cleaning The Battery

Over time corrosion can severely impact the working of your battery. It can damage the cables and prevent your battery from producing sufficient voltage.

Therefore, it is essential to maintain the condition of your battery to avoid any ignition problems.

You can thoroughly clean the body. You must do so by removing the terminals.

Afterward, you can apply basic chemicals such as baking soda. Applying it to the corroded region will cause the reaction responsible for eliminating the rust.

You can then clean it with water and rejoin the connectors.

Tightening The Terminals

In most cases, if the wires on the terminals become loose, the battery will not function properly, and you will get buzzing sounds when turning the key in the ignition.

In such cases, all you have to do is open the hood and tighten the terminals. You can then start the car to see if the engine powers up or not.

Contacting The Experts

If none of the stated solutions work for you, the most suitable choice is to take your car to the professionals. You can also contact your vehicle manufacturer.

They can pinpoint the exact cause responsible for the buzzing sounds.

Conclusion

The buzzing sound is one of the most common issues that does not let your vehicle get started. There can also be several reasons that may cause this problem.

However, the primary issue lies within the battery.

Therefore, you must thoroughly assess the current state of your car to find out the precise reason behind the buzzing sound when turning the key in the ignition.

Afterward, you can work out the most appropriate method to resolve the issue. However, it is always wise to contact your mechanic if the problem persists.