Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to get you back on your way. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy but it's important to do it carefully. The key is thin and can break if bent even a little.
You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to test whether it turns.
If not, you might require a new one created. This will prevent you from having to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a security issue and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector can be 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 fix it within a few minutes.
In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. key fob repair service near me can help you locate the right parts to fix your gear selector device. They can also provide various other services, including transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming, which requires the help of a technician. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to begin. 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 own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member 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 using a precision cutting machine. If your key has blade, fob or a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.