Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even a little.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it will turn.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your important.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) may get 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 machines. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair or replace any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most times the issue is fixable. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or break off. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to make it in a couple of minutes.
In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they need to be flexible and healthy.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. key fob repair service should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings form an essential component 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 specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector device. They can also provide many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you need a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to an AutoZone store and a representative will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has a blade, a fob, or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.