Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. repair car key may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended 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, you could need to get a new key made. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease 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 graphite or lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can become stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you need help with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Selector for gears
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to make it more fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, so they require to be flexible and healthy.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also offer various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo a natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign you require a new battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle 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.
Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix the issue, your device may require professional programming that will require the assistance of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that sends signals to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is equipped with blade, 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.