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 turn on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
To do this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Take the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, you could require a new one made. You don't need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can 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 machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own a newer car that has keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.
Gear selector
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This can also be a sign of larger issues in the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. key repair near me are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees so it's important that they remain healthy and supple.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are some things you can do to prolong their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also offer various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car has been having issues beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.
It's possible that the issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this problem.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may require professional programming, which will require a special technician. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This can be found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.