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 happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your car with groceries or returning to home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your important.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) may 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 2 parts of machines. In most instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme virtually any car key.
Selector for gears
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem can also be a sign of larger issues in the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to make it more fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, so they must be flexible and healthy.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. car key fob repair service is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also provide you with various other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in 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 get older, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will use machines to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is a blade-style, 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.