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 on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple but it's important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even slightly.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Take the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it will turn.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove pins by 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 function with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission itself, which could be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system, allowing it shift more fluidly. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They also provide various other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they get older, they go through a natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates in your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been experiencing problems starting in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a key repair service near me small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.
You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade type or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.