Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car keys won't engage the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is thin and may break if bent even a little.
To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it in the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, you might need to get a new one created. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without access to your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. repair car keys near me can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help prevent water from destroying 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 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission itself, which can be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually make it in a couple of minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points within the gear system, allowing it shift more easily. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.
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 during extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for a new battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming, which requires the help of an expert. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there 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 to an AutoZone store and a representative will employ machines to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you have is a blade-style or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.