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 happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your car with groceries or on your way to home from work.
There are many different solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are some common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. 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 may break if bent even a little.
To accomplish this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Take the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then place it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help 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. A pin is 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 an equipment. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. car key repair service that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore need to be healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are some things you can do to prolong their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They also provide various other services like transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If your car has been having problems getting started in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.
Key fobs that are not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob it may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of an expert. But it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.