Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent 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's important to do it with care. The key is very thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see whether it turns.
If not, you might require a new one created. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. key car repair will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) may get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that uses a key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your automotive locks or keys! 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 get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be fixed easily. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they remain healthy and supple.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are some ways to prolong their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings form an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also offer various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
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 early. This is because the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car is having problems starting in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your 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 when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn the 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 solve your device, it could require professional programming, that will require the assistance of an expert. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became a major 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 could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is a blade style or key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.