Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key 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 are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. A pin is a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
Gear selector
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. Learn Alot more Here is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This problem could also indicate bigger problems in the transmission system that could be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are a few ways to prolong their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings form an essential element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector device. They can also provide you with many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on 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. This is due to the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the directions in the owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may require professional programming by an expert. Try these easy techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade style, a key fob, or has a hefty black or grey head, it will require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.