Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you may need to get a new key made. This will prevent you from having to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could 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 parts of machines. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more easily. They function in a similar way to cartilage in website your knees, so it's crucial that they stay healthy and supple.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are more info a few things you can do to extend their life. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an important component of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with a range of other services, including transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition key but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery here will start to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car, causing website the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you need a new battery.
It's possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this problem.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might require professional programming and will require an expert technician. Try these easy techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car check here theft was a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key has an edge, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.