Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car keys won't engage the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even a little.
To do this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you could need to have a new one made. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key works.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to fix.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more easily. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. key repair near me is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings are a critical element 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 is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They also offer various other services, including maintenance and service for 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. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. key repair car is because the negative plates inside your car battery will start to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Your mechanic should ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may require professional programming, which will require a special technician. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is blade style or a key fob or has a large black or grey head, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.
