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 engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your car with groceries or returning to home from work.
There are many solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Pick up 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. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't have access to 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 to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two parts of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission itself, which can be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue is easily fixable. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually fix it within a few minutes.
In key fob repair near me , however, the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's important to keep them healthy and flexible.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured 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 damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer various other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age they undergo a natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles 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 stop communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming which will require the services of technicians. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before linked here go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you are using has blade, fob or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.