Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible moment, like when you are loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Take one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you could need to have a new key made. This will avoid having to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more 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 small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you have a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason that the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, which is why they need to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the cables controlling 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 be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They also provide a variety of other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts 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 inside your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If electronic key repair near me have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your device, it could need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of an expert. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft was 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 option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down auto key repair near me (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is blade style, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head on it, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.