Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience the car keys won't engage in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.
There are many solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you will need a stable workspace, and an plier. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. After that, you can place it in the lock to test whether it will turn.
If not, you may need to get a new key made. This will avoid having to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key works.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle if it breaks.
If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may 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 2 parts of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that uses keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us for assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This problem is also a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The most frequent reason the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they need to be flexible and healthy.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, however there are some ways to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer a range of other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected 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 car when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If remote key repair near me doesn't work for your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is blade style or 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.