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 could occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is thin and can break if bent even slightly.
To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder, and also 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 to keep moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could 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 with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of a machine. In most cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key.
Gear selector
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. car key repair near me 's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to fix.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more easily. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's important to keep them healthy and supple.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, however there are a few things you can do to extend their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services such as transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign you require a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive 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 correctly.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming, which requires the help of technicians. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security system 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. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is blade-style or a key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it will have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.