Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car keys won't engage the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.
To do this, you'll need a stable workspace, and pliers. car key remote repair near me of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then place it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you could need to get a new key made. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key will function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can become stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own 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 vehicle. This process can be 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 nearly any key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during 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, such as those from First Line.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also provide many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix the issue, your device may require professional programming which will require the services of technicians. Try these easy techniques before purchasing a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits the signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is blade-style or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it'll need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.