Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and may break if bent even a little.
You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Take one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, you could require a new key made. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal 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 an equipment. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you need help with your car keys or locks give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also indicate bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task within a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they require to be flexible and healthy.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also provide you with various other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they 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 crystals.
A dead battery may cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If your car has been having issues beginning in cold weather, this is a good sign that it is time for a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the directions in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. Try these easy techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This can be found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is a blade-style or key fob or electronic car key repair has a large black or grey head, it will require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.