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 occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or heading 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 their 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 a simple fix. This may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You don't need to call a locksmith and your existing key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it move through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your important.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a small 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 parts of a machine. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
If you need help with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle more info if continue to drive it. This problem could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important click here to ensure that they stay healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are some ways to prolong their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto website repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you need a new battery.
It's possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob is get more info connected to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may require professional programming and will require an expert technician. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you have is a blade type or a key fob or click here has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.