Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience the car keys won't engage in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or on your way home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Take the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you might need to get a new one created. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you don't have access to your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your device.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can sometimes become stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of machines. In most instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has keys with microchips in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.
Call us if you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This problem could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most of the time, this problem broken car key repair near me is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are some ways to extend their lifespan. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. This is because the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car has been having problems getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may require professional programming by an expert technician. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for security 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. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob or a large grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.