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 in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and can break if bent even slightly.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. nearby key repair shop is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to test if it will turn.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your key will still function.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 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 components of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Call us if you need assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to a mechanic right away. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it's important to keep them healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are a critical part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also provide a range of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car and cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car is experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.
A key fob that is not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might require professional programming by a special technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store, and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is a blade type or key fob or has a large black or grey head, it will have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.