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 engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
Rather than panic There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, car key repair near me could be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure your key works.
It's a good idea to 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 having issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. 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 a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission that could be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason that the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to make it more fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they stay healthy and supple.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They also offer a variety of other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age they undergo a natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this is an indication that it is time for a new battery.
It is possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Your mechanic should make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this does not fix the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of an expert. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option 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). This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you are using has blade, fob, or a thick grey/black head it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.