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 turn in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their car. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is very thin and may break if you bend it even a little.
You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your key will still function.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. car keys repairs near me will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are 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 parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older car that uses a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition and hear only a click, then 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 end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign that you need a new battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in your 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 on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this does not fix the issue, your device may require professional programming, that will require the assistance of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob or a thick grey or black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.