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 engage the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning to home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is thin and may break if bent even a little.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Hold the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your key will still function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try applying some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. car key repair is used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.
If you have an older car that uses a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Call us if you need assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost every 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. This is a security issue and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This problem could also indicate more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be easily fixed. The cable that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more fluidly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They also offer various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time for a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.
Key fobs that are not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could require professional programming and will require an expert technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted 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 keys could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is a blade-style or key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it will require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.