Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or returning home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy however, you need to be careful. The key is thin and can break if bent even a little.
You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and 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, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid having to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not without 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 lubricant to it. This will enable it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can sometimes get 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 components of a machine. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own a brand new 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 vehicle. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We can repair or replace every vehicle key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to help it move more smoothly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they stay in good shape and soft.
It's not unusual for them to wear out in time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, check here 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 provide a range of other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. 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, causing the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If your car is having issues getting started in cold weather, this is an indication 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. here A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the directions in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your device, it could require professional programming which will require the services of an expert. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them read more that transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the fob repair near me owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If car key fob repair your key is blade-style, a key fob, or has a large black or grey head on it, it'll have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.