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 occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your car with groceries or when you're returning home from work.
There are many solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are key repair car and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.
To do this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.
Keep an extra 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 broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In most instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem could also indicate bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. The cable that is connected to the lever may snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system to make it more fluid. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an important part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major 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 key could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will utilize 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 on site. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob or a thick grey or black head, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.