Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this - the car key won't engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, 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 you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Take the key on one end with 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 may be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure your key works.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of machines. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.
If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a security issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be easily fixed. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they need to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They can also offer various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition key and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age they go through an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car is having problems starting in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. However, key lock repair near me 's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade style or a key fob or has a large grey or black head, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.