Suzuki Celerio Starting Issues: Bad Ignition Switch Alert

Having some experience with car electronics, I dealt with a very similar issue on my 2016 Suzuki Swift. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I experienced, especially the key turn problems and occasional stalling. The issue turned out to be much simpler than a faulty ignition switch. After checking the car ignition system, my mechanic found a blown fuse that was causing intermittent power supply problems to the starter motor circuit. The repair was straightforward and cost 52€, which included diagnostics and fuse replacement. The car has been running perfectly since then, no more starting issues or stalling. However, before jumping to conclusions, it would help to know: Does the check engine light come on? Are there any unusual sounds when turning the key? Have you checked the battery voltage? Did you notice any other electrical issues like dim lights? These symptoms could also indicate problems with the ignition coil or other electrical components, so having this additional information would help narrow down the cause. If the symptoms persist, definitely have it checked soon, as electrical issues tend to worsen over time and could leave you stranded, especially in cold weather.

Thanks for the insight. Mileage just hit 125414KM at my last service in November. The check engine light flickers occasionally when turning the ignition key. No unusual sounds, but I notice the dashboard lights dim slightly during start attempts. Had the battery tested last week, voltage reads normal at 12.6V. Started keeping a log of when the starter motor fails completely vs when the engine starts but stalls. Seems to happen more frequently in the morning, especially after the car sits overnight. Going to get it checked this week since the starting issues are becoming more frequent. The fuse explanation makes sense given the electrical symptoms. Hopefully its just as simple and affordable to fix as in your case.

Thanks for those details, having experienced the same symptoms with my Swift, the flickering check engine light and dimming dashboard during starting really point to an electrical issue in the ignition system. After dealing with my fuse problem, I learned these symptoms can also indicate a failing ignition coil. When my mechanic did further testing, he found slight resistance variations in the ignition circuit that a basic voltage test might miss. The dimming lights during start attempts are particularly telling, this happened with my car too before the fuse went completely. The morning starting issues match my experience exactly. The colder temperatures seem to stress car electronics more, which is why ignition problems often show up first thing in the morning. My Swift had 128000KM when the fuse problem occurred, so our cars are in a similar mileage range where these issues tend to appear. Would suggest having them check: 1. All fuses in the ignition circuit 2. Ignition coil resistance readings 3. Starter motor draw test 4. Ground connections for corrosion My total diagnostic and repair came to 52€, but even if it turns out to be the ignition coil rather than just a fuse, the fix should still be relatively straightforward. The important thing is catching it before you end up stranded somewhere.

The flickering check engine light and dimming dashboard definitely match what you described. After reading about the fuse being the culprit in your Swift, I feel more optimistic about my Celerio's situation. The mileage on both our cars is quite close too, which makes sense why these starting issues might be cropping up now. Just booked the car in for Thursday morning. Made sure to mention all the symptoms, the cold weather correlation, dashboard dimming during key turns, and how the starting issue is getting worse. Also noted down your suggestion about checking the ignition coil and fuses specifically. Will let you know how it goes, but really hoping its just a simple fuse like in your case. 52€ sounds much better than what I was fearing might be a major electrical repair. Thanks for sharing your experience, it helped narrow down what to look for and gave me a better idea of potential costs. The morning starting troubles are getting pretty annoying, so looking forward to having this sorted.