Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your car with groceries or when you're returning home from work.
There are many different solutions to get you back on your way. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, you might need to get a new key made. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left without access to your vehicle if it breaks.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your important.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is possible that the key needs 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 vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
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 within a few minutes.
In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to help it move more easily. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they need to be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are a few ways to prolong their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
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 an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle 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 you need a new battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this problem.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. fob repair near me could become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert technician. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade type, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head on it, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.