Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This might seem easy however, you need to be careful. The key is very thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, you might need to have a new one created. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. car remote key repair will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 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 pieces of a machine. In most instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.
If you need assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some cases the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system to make it more fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, however there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing 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 right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with various other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If your car has been experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this problem.
Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might require professional programming and will require a special technician. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key along to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will use machines to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you have is a blade-style or key fob or has a thick black or grey head on it, it'll need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.