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 turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your car with groceries or returning to home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
To do this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it turns.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may 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 parts of an equipment. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by a mechanic right away. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason that the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task within a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they remain healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, such as 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 wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They also provide many other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition on and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they go through a natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car has been experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.
Another common nearby key repair shop automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming and will require a special technician. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.