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 turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your car with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common car key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason 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 but be careful. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to test if it will turn.
If not, you may need to get a new one made. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your key will still work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have access to your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your device.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may become 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 instances, it is possible to remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer car that uses keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some cases the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system to make it more fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates in your car battery will start to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car is experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time for a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's manual. 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 your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert technician. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits the signal. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If car key fob repair near me have a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you visit make a note of 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 working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key has a blade, a fob or a large grey/black head it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.