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 can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.
There are many different solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It might sound easy but it's important to do this carefully. The key is very thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it in the lock to test whether it turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will function.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not without access to your vehicle if it breaks.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your key.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of a machine. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has a key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.
If you need assistance with your car keys or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic right away. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue could also indicate more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they must be flexible and healthy.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are some things you can do to prolong their life. car key fob repair near me is to avoid using the gear selector during 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 using premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also provide a variety of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.
A key fob that is not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming which will require the services of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles 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 calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you are using has blade, fob or a thick grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.