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 in the ignition. It could occur at the worst time, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key problems and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their mobile car key repair near me. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to see whether it turns.
If not, you may need to have a new one made. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key repair shop.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two components of a machine. In most instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that uses microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to function with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your car keys or locks give us a call! We can repair or replace any vehicle key repair service.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety concern and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover joints within the gear system to help it shift more easily. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are a few ways to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are a critical part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also offer various other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming and will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys repair are equipped with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits the signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This can be found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade type, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head on it, it'll have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.