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.
There are a variety of solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Hold the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will help it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer car that uses a key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as fast as possible if 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 system is having bigger problems, which are costly to repair.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. car remote key repair near me can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some instances the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points within the gear system to help it move more easily. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they need to be flexible and healthy.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They also offer various other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it is time for a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not caused by a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of a technician. It's worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has a blade, a fob, or a thick grey/black head it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.