Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
To do this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to see whether it will turn.
If not, you may need to get a new key made. You don't need to call a locksmith and your key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying oil to it. This will make it easier 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 included with it for a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair.
Most times the issue is fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. car key repair service are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer a range of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming which will require the services of a technician. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.