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 in the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you're filling your car with groceries or driving home from work.
There are many solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, you might require a new one made. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key works.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make key lock repair near me of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of a machine. In most instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or break off. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it move more fluidly. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain in good shape and soft.
You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to fix your gear selector device. They also offer a variety of other services like 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. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose the power source in your car, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car has been having issues beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this issue.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends a signal to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key with you to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key is blade-style or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.