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 in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is thin and can break if bent even slightly.
To accomplish this, you'll require a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. 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. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, you might need to get a new key made. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.
Keep key repair near me in your pocket to ensure you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle 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 crucial to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or become disconnected. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.
In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and supple.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer many other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than 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 start to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may require professional programming by an expert technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to an AutoZone store and an associate will utilize machines to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.