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 in the ignition. It can occur at the worst time, such as when you are loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.
There are many solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and bending it just a little can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your device.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that uses keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a security issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This issue could also indicate larger issues in the transmission system that could be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points within the gear system to help it move more fluidly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical component of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They also provide many other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you need a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped working properly. key repair near me is a small device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed by a special technician. It's worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key with you to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ machines to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key has a blade, a fob, or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.