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 engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your car with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.
There are many solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do it with care. The key is very thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
To accomplish extra resources , you'll require a stable workspace, and pliers. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, remote key fob repair may be time to get a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. A pin is a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of 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 keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to a mechanic right away. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually make it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system to make it more fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure to keep them in good shape and soft.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, however there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector device. They can also provide you with a range of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the 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 by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming, which will require the services of an expert. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is equipped with blade, fob, or a thick grey/black head, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.