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 could occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're filling your car with groceries or driving home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy but be cautious. The key is thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers for this. Take the key at one end with 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 in the lock to see whether it turns.
If not, you might require a new one created. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. mobile key repair will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may get stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission itself, which can be costly to repair.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points in the gear system to help it move more smoothly. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They also provide a variety of other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
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've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you need a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the directions in the owner's guide. 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 does not fix your fob it may need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of a technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new 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 go. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade type, a key fob, or has a large grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.