Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and could break if you bend it even slightly.
To do this, you'll need a stable workspace, and an plier. 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. You can then place it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) may get stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has a key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Most times the issue is fixable. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they need to be healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are some things you can do to extend their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide various other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
key repair service
If you switch the ignition on and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo 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 could cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming, which will require the services of a technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to an AutoZone store and a representative will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you are using has blade, fob or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.