Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is very thin and may break if bent even a little.
To do this, you'll need a stable workspace, and an plier. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, however, 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 work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they need to be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also offer various other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition key and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car, causing the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If visit website has been experiencing problems getting started 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 an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your device, it could need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure 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. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ machines to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is blade type, a 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.