Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, like when you are loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening mobile key repair is an easy fix. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is very thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to test whether it will turn.
If not, you could need to have a new key made. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more fluidly. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also offer various other services like transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car is having problems starting in cold weather, this is an indication that it is time for a new battery.
It's possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Your mechanic should make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. car key remote repair near me may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your device, it could require professional programming, which will require the services of a technician. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has a blade, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.