Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience the car keys won't engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning to home from work.
There are many different solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is very thin and could break if you bend it even slightly.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. repair car key fob will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also called 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, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have a newer car that has keys with microchips inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complex depending 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.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, so they need to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector device. They also offer various other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition 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 go through natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car has been having issues starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your problem is not a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.