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 on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your car with groceries or returning to home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy but it's important to do it carefully. link web site is thin and may break if bent even slightly.
To accomplish this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it in the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left 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 grease to it. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of machines. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.
If you need help with your car keys or locks give us a call! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic right away. key fob repair is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem could also indicate larger issues with the transmission itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they remain in good shape and soft.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. 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 will help you find the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They can also offer various other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your 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 exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may require professional programming by an expert technician. Try these easy methods before you buy an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which 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 your key is a blade type, a key fob, or has a hefty grey or black head, it will require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.