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 in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, like when you are loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening 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 accomplish this, you will need a stable workspace, and pliers. Take the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you might require a new one made. There is no need to call a locksmith and your existing key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If key repair service have an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to make it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.
It's not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings form an important 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 repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with many other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.
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 undergo a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car is having issues getting started in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it is time for a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming which requires the help of a technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which 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 blade type or a key fob or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.
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