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 occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your car with groceries or on your way to home from work.
There are many different solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are some of the most common automotive key problems and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Hold the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you may require a new one made. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can become stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.
If you have an older car that uses a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
key fob repairs near me for gears
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This problem could also indicate larger issues with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they stay healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are a critical part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also provide you with various other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car is experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could require professional programming by a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that sends a signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is blade style or key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.