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 engage in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or returning to home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.
To do this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it move through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer car that has a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
If you need assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by a mechanic right away. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system to keep it fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they stay in good shape and soft.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are some things you can do to prolong their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
electronic key repair near me form an important component of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to fix your gear selector device. They can also offer a range of other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car has been experiencing problems starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time to get a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions 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, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may require professional programming by a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade type or key fob or has a thick black or grey head on it, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.