Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some common car key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy but be cautious. The key is thin and could break if bent even slightly.
You'll need a sturdy 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 can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see whether it turns.
If not, you may require a new one made. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow 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 which comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can get stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of machines. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to repair.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay healthy and supple.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, however there are some ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an important element of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They also offer many other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition key but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you require a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this problem.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. car keys repair trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade-style, a key fob, or has a hefty black or grey head, it will have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.