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 happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.
There are many solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.
To do this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Take the key at the other end using 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 determine whether it turns.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will enable it move through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes.
In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and supple.
You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector, 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. They can assist you to locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services like 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. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming that will require the assistance of a technician. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car if it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down car key fob repair near me (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will use machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key is blade-style or key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.