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 can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you are loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key will function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 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 pieces of a machine. In the majority of instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you need help with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system to make it more fluid. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, and therefore need to be flexible and healthy.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. car key repair shop should also replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also offer many other services like transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car has been having issues beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time for a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. Try these easy methods before you buy the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you have is a blade style or key fob or has a thick grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.