Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the worst time, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or heading home from work.
There are many solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple but it's important to do this carefully. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
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 help it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints 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 stay in good shape and soft.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as 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 notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also provide you car key sensor repair near me with many other services, including transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition key but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this problem.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a 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. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this does not fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which requires the help of an expert. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that sends a signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ machines to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.