Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car key refuses to engage the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or heading 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 problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
Most times the issue is fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to help it move more easily. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide various other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car is having issues beginning in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could require professional programming and will require a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down why not look here (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This can be found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ machines to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a thick grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.