Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your car with groceries or returning to home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is extremely thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Take the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. key repair service can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to test whether it turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key works.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not without access to your vehicle if it breaks.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. A pin is a small 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 machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys 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 car's manufacturer and model.
If you need help with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also indicate more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually complete the task within a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they stay healthy and supple.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also offer many other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, 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 begin to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car has been experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the steps 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 lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to an AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key has a blade, a fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.