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 occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or on your way home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is thin and may break if bent even slightly.
To accomplish this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Take the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. car key remote repair near me is a small 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 machines. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own a brand new car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the joints within the gear system to help it move more smoothly. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also provide various other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your device, it could need to professionally programmed which requires the help of technicians. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is blade type or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.