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 turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or when you're returning home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even slightly.
key repair near me 'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers for this. Grab the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it will turn.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key works.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel 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 the majority of instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that has a key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could also indicate more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The cable that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees so it's important that they remain in good shape and soft.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are some things you can do to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an important part of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They also provide many other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
key fob repair near me may cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you need a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert technician. Try these easy methods before you buy a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit, write down 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 AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key has a blade, a fob or a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.