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 most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. This might seem easy, but you must be cautious. The key is thin and could break if you bend it even slightly.
To accomplish this, you will need a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Take the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it turns.
If not, you might need to have a new key made. This will save you from having to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can get 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 components of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to repair.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task within a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. car key repairs near me is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also provide many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition key and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the power source in your car and cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ machines to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.