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 engage in the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible moment, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy but be cautious. The key is extremely thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and pliers. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you may need to have a new one created. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key works.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can sometimes become stuck. A pin is 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 parts of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or break off. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes.
In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around joints within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, which is why they must be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings are a critical part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. This is due to the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If Read the Full Article is having problems beginning in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming that will require the assistance of technicians. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits the signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you have is a blade style or a key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it'll need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.