Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from having to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are 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 pieces of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This can also be a sign of more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to fix it within a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. repair keys near me are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer a variety of other services such as transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. This is because the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of a technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If the key you are using has blade, fob, or a thick grey or black head, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.