Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you are loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.
There are many solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple but be careful. The key is thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
To do this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. After that, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it will turn.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not without access to your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your device.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. A pin is a small 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 a machine. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.
Most times the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually make it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. key fob repairs can assist you to find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition key and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin 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 not working properly. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign you need a new battery.
Sometimes, your issue 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 functioning properly can solve this problem.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix the issue, your device may require professional programming, which requires the help of an expert. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them. It transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key is a blade type or key fob or has a large grey or black head on it, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.