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 can happen at the worst possible moment, like when you are loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
There are many different solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. key repairs is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.
key repairs will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers for this. Take the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
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 also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your important.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.
If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could also indicate more serious issues in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever may snap or break off. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system to help it move more fluidly. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, so they require to be flexible and healthy.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are a few ways to extend their life. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They also provide a variety of other services, including transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your device, it could need to professionally programmed which will require the services of a technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is a blade style or key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.