Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this the car keys won't engage in the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or heading home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to get you back on your way. Here are some common car key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It might sound easy but it's important to do this carefully. The key is thin and could break if you bend it even a little.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it turns.
If not, you may need to have a new key made. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not without access to your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel 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 components of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This issue is also a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. car key fob repairs near me are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system, allowing it move more smoothly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also provide various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age they go through a natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of a technician. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you have is a blade type or a key fob or has a large grey or black head, it will have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.