Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car keys won't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
There are many different solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
To do this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to test if it will turn.
If not, you may require a new one created. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure your key works.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two parts of a machine. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need assistance with your car keys or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car 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. This is a safety concern and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to repair.
Luckily, most times, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points within the gear system, allowing it shift more smoothly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are some ways to extend their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car has been having problems getting started in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within 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 all functioning properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming, which requires the help of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them. It transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. car key fob repair will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key has blade, fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.