Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.
There are many solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is very thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Take one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you might require a new one made. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that measures 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 most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.
Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually complete the task within a few minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure to keep them in good shape and soft.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an important element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If broken car key repair find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with various other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery may cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car is experiencing problems starting in cold weather, this is an indication that it is time for a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this does not fix your fob it may require professional programming which will require the services of technicians. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you are using has blade, fob or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.