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 occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common car key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes a pin (also known as 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, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system, allowing it move more smoothly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they must be healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can 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 component of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They also offer a variety of other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been having issues starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time to get a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on pop over here , you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming, that will require the assistance of a technician. However, electronic key repair near me 's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade-style or a key fob or has a large grey or black head, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.