Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning to home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many options to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do this carefully. The key is thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.
To do this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Take one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to see whether it will turn.
If not, you may require a new one made. This will avoid having to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can get stuck. Pins are 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 components of a machine. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.
If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program 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 could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. key car repair are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to keep it fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and supple.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical component of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also provide many other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming that will require the assistance of an expert. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them. It transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go make a note of 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 existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade-style or key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.