Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin and may break if bent even a little.
You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Take one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid having to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) may get 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 most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
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 security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial to keep them healthy and supple.
It's not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. key fob repairs near me is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide various other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they 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 by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you require a new battery.
It is possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this issue.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. 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 open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming and will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you are using has blade, fob or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.