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 on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning to home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is very thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you could need to have a new one created. This will avoid having to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also prevent water from destroying your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) may get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This problem is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they must be flexible and healthy.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and car key fob repairs near me should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They will read more help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also provide you with a range of other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not due to an unresponsive 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 properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease more info communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your device, it could require professional programming that will require here 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 include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go note 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 manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key is a blade type or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to here start the engine.