Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there the car keys won't engage in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you could require a new key made. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key works.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your device.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair or replace any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The cable that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some instances the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they stay healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some ways to extend their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. read page provide various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates in your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been having problems getting started in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob connects 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 becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model it will require 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 your device, it could need to professionally programmed which will require the services of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade-style or a key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.