Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: the car key won't turn on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is thin and may break if bent even a little.
To do this, you will need a stable workspace, and an plier. Take the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you may require a new key made. This will avoid having to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key works.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures 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 take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that has a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Luckily, most times, this issue can be fixed easily. The cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or become disconnected. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some instances the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points within the gear system, allowing it shift more fluidly. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector device. key fob repairs near me can also offer various other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is because the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car has been having issues getting started in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided 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 doesn't work for your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed by an expert. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current key with you to an AutoZone store and a representative will utilize a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If your key has a blade, a fob or a thick grey or black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.