Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or on your way home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy but it's important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even slightly.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Grab the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you might need to get a new one made. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not without access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also stop water from destroying your device.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) may get stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us for assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This can also be a sign of more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also provide various other services such as transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then 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 of your car will begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been having issues getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might require professional programming by an expert technician. But 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 which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety 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. key fob repairs can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ machines to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob or a large head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.