Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it with care. The key is thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.
To do this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Grab the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. find out this here will also stop moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of a machine. In most instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have a newer car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Gear selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.
Most times the issue is fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to fix it in a couple of minutes.
In key fob repairs , the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they need to be healthy and flexible.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with various other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through a natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might require professional programming by a special technician. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.