Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, like when you are loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
There are many solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even a little.
To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and an plier. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. After that, you can place it inside the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, you may need to get a new one created. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key works.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try putting some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your important.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have a newer car that uses keys with microchips in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your car keys or locks give us a call! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety issue and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points within the gear system, allowing it shift more smoothly. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also offer many other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is due to the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. car key repairs can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying the new fob.
great post to read come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This can be found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will use a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade style or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.