Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
Rather than key fob repairs near me , there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and 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. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is thin and could break if bent even a little.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you may require a new key made. This will save you from having to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for a more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your important.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two parts of machines. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to repair.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they require to be flexible and healthy.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide you with various other services, such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you need a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this does not fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which requires the help of an expert. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you have is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a large black or grey head on it, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.