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 occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or on your way to home from work.
There are many solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is thin and could break if bent even slightly.
To do this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. key repairs will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair or replace any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This problem can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points within the gear system to help it shift more smoothly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they need to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car, causing the radio or electric windows to stop working. If key fob repair have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you require a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.
A key fob that is not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your device, it could require professional programming which will require the services of a technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends signals to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a representative will use machines to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob or a large grey/black head it must be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.