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 times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning to home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it will turn.
If not, you may need to get a new key made. You don't need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it move through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or break off. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually make it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system, allowing it move more fluidly. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside your car battery will start to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.
Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped working properly. car key fob repairs connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming which will require the services of an expert. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current working key with you to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will use a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you have is a blade type, a key fob, or has a large black or grey head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.