Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you're filling your car with groceries or driving home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many options to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common automotive key problems and solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy but be cautious. The key is thin and can break if bent even a little.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may become 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 an equipment. In key fob repairs near me can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own an older car that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or programme virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This issue is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission itself, which can be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The cable that is connected to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's important to keep them healthy and supple.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. The first is to 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 recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also provide various other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car is having issues beginning in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming, which will require the services of a technician. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is equipped with blade, fob, or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.