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 engage the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, like when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Grab the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then place it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. You don't need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying oil to it. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair or replace every vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This is also a sign of bigger problems read more with the transmission itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be easily fixed. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system, allowing it move more easily. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay healthy and supple.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, however there are some things you can do to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide you with various other services, including 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. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may website also cause your vehicle to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car is having problems beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.
Key fobs that are not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the check here engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or shut and open here the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming, which will require the services of a technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that sends a signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to begin. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a brand newer car, auto key repair the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current key to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize machines to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is a blade type or a key fob or has a thick 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.