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 the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or heading home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many options to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish 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. Then, you can put it in the lock to determine whether it will turn.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you don't have access to your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of an equipment. In most instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has keys with microchips in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could also indicate more serious issues in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may 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 complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and supple.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings are a critical component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer many other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If your car is experiencing problems starting in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, mobile car key repair near me might not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. broken car key repair near me can be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed and will require a special technician. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your key could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down broken key repair (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key is equipped with blade, fob, or a thick grey or black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.