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, such as when you're filling up your car with groceries or on your way to home from work.
There are many solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key problems and solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. car key repair service can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is very thin and may break if bent even slightly.
To accomplish this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Grab the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off 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 needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.
In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.
You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer various other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition key and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of a technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate 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-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key has an edge, a fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.