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 on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.
There are many solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. go here can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you may need to have a new one created. This will avoid having to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of machines. In love it of instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or programme virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This issue can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.
Most times the issue is fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system to aid in making it move more smoothly. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees so it's important to keep them in good shape and soft.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They can also offer various other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. key fob repairs will make use of 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 with a precise cutting machine. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a large grey/black head it must be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.