Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is thin and may break if bent even a little.
To accomplish this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Grab the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your key will still work.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left without access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, you can try applying grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will help it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) may get stuck. Pins are a tiny 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 parts of a machine. In most instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This problem can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In key fob repair service near me , the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points in the gear system to help it shift more easily. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they remain in good shape and soft.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer a variety of other services like 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. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been having issues beginning in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming which requires the help of an expert. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you have is a blade style or key fob or has a large black or grey head, it will require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.