"Spark" sound when ignition key is turned on

[zafod]

I have a 2007 DB9 which has the ignition key. Occasionally when I insert the key and turn it I heard a "spark" sound. Everything works ok and this only happens now and then. I do need to get it checked out, will a good auto electrician be ok or should I take it to an AM Specialist?

Has anyone else had this problem?

Cheers.

[LTP]

I've not had this problem so the following is just my (slightly educated) opinion

First, some clarification:

• Where is the "spark" sound coming from? Is it from the ignition lock itself, or elsewhere?
• What position makes the sound when you turn on: is it accessories (Pos 1); ignition (Pos 2); or crank (Pos3)?
• Has it always done this, or is it a recent thing?

Now the opinion:
The sound of sparking is never good, imho, particularly if it hasn't already done it. Arcing is not good for the contacts the spark is jumping across. It needs to be checked.
I'd say as I think it's a conventional Ford ignition lock (and if it is the lock that's arcing), a good auto-electrician should be able to carry out some initial investigation. The only area where specific AML expertise might be required is removing the trim to get to the lock.

Replacing an ignition lock can be a non-trivial affair as, unsurprisingly, they tend to be designed so they're not easy to tamper with.

[zafod]

LTP said:

I've not had this problem so the following is just my (slightly educated) opinion

First, some clarification:

• Where is the "spark" sound coming from? Is it from the ignition lock itself, or elsewhere?
• What position makes the sound when you turn on: is it accessories (Pos 1); ignition (Pos 2); or crank (Pos3)?
• Has it always done this, or is it a recent thing?

Now the opinion:
The sound of sparking is never good, imho, particularly if it hasn't already done it. Arcing is not good for the contacts the spark is jumping across. It needs to be checked.
I'd say as I think it's a conventional Ford ignition lock (and if it is the lock that's arcing), a good auto-electrician should be able to carry out some initial investigation. The only area where specific AML expertise might be required is removing the trim to get to the lock.

Replacing an ignition lock can be a non-trivial affair as, unsurprisingly, they tend to be designed so they're not easy to tamper with.

Thanks for the reply

Q. Where is the "spark" sound coming from? Is it from the ignition lock itself, or elsewhere?
A. Sounds to me like it's coming from the ignition lock area, just a short spark sound, no smell and everything works as it should. Only happens occasionally

Q. What position makes the sound when you turn on: is it accessories (Pos 1); ignition (Pos 2); or crank (Pos3)?
A. There is no crank (Pos 2 then press start button), makes the sound in Pos 2

Q.Has it always done this, or is it a recent thing?
A. I bought the car last year (Sep) and not long after I heard the spark sound. It's happened maybe a dozen times since then.