Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning to home from work.
There are many solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is very thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. key car repair can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of machines. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, and therefore require to be flexible and healthy.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, however there are a few things you can do to extend their life. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great 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 device. They can also provide a range of other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you require a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit 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, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key has an edge, a fob or a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.