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 in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you're loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and may break if you bend it even a little.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to determine whether it will turn.
If not, you may need to get a new one made. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key works.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission system that could be costly to repair.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. car key repair service function similar to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They can also offer a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside your car battery will start to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you need a new battery.
It's possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather 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.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands 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 instructions in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert technician. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way 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. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to an AutoZone store and a representative will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade style or key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it will require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.