Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning home from work.
There are many different solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy but be cautious. The key is very thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.
To do this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to test whether it will turn.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will enable it move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes, a pin (also called 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, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Selector for gears
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This problem can also be a sign of larger issues in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed 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, so it's crucial to keep them healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer many other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
car key repair service
If you switch the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you need a new battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
broken key repair can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might require professional programming and will require a special technician. Try these easy methods before you buy the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade style or a key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it will require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.