Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or on your way to home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you could require a new key made. 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 end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try applying some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are 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 a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key.
Gear selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually fix it within a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the correct parts to repair the gear selection website system. They can also offer many other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin click here to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in your owner's remote key repairs guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle, this will more info involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. Try these easy methods before you buy a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if it is the right one to allow it to start. In car key remote repairs the 1990s, theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key has an edge, a fob, or a thick grey/black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.