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 occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your car with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.
There are many different solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll require a stable workspace, and an plier. Grab 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. car remote key repair near me can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you may need to have a new key made. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become 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 pieces of a machine. In remote key repairs of instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This problem could also indicate larger issues with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that 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 will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system to keep it 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.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are some ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an important part of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide a range of other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not caused by a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.
Key fobs that are not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the directions in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might require professional programming by an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, transmits the signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob or a large grey or black head it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.