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 engage in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or when you're returning home from work.
Rather than panic, 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 key
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy but be cautious. 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 pliers to accomplish this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it in the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. car key fob repair will save you from having to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.
If you have a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your car keys or locks! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This issue can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission that could be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they stay in good shape and soft.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
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If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is because the negative plates inside your car battery will start to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If remote key fob repair is having issues beginning in cold weather, this is a good sign that it is time for 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. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the directions in the owner's guide. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may require professional programming and will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is blade style or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it will have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.