Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
Rather than panic There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple but it's important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy 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. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you may need to have a new key made. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. auto key repair near me can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck 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 the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for 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 quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This is also a sign of larger issues in the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system to keep it fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore need to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an important component of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix 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 key and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator 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 car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require 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 might require professional programming by an expert. But it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative 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 must be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.