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 could occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
There are many solutions to get you back on your way. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to determine whether it will turn.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid having to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key works.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle if it breaks.
If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem is easily fixable. The cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. repair keys near me are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they stay healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition key and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having problems getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could require professional programming by an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, transmits an indication. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current working key along to an AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade type, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head, it will need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.