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 can occur at the worst moment, like when you are loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is thin and can break if bent even a little.
To do this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Hold the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you may require a new key made. This will save you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you don't have access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) may become stuck. A pin is a small piece of steel 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 parts of a machine. In most cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us 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 when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be easily fixed. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or become disconnected. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system, allowing it move more fluidly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables that
remote control car key repairs the gears can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also provide a range of other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
Another common
automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed by an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the
emergency car key repair to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you are using has blade, fob or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.