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 engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or on your way to home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and bending it just a little can cause it to break.
remote key fob repair will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will still work.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can 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 parts of an equipment. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually complete the task within a few minutes.
In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system to help it shift more easily. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are an important element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They also offer many other services like maintenance and repair of 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. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age they go through an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. Having your mechanic check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed, which will require a special technician. It's worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or a thick grey/black head, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.