Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the worst time, such as when you're loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.
Rather than panic There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is very thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. After that, you can place it inside the lock to test if it will turn.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will work.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can get stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of an equipment. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.
Most times the issue is fixable. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they stay in good shape and soft.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the read more gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services, including transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click here click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age they go through an read more natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert technician. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft here became a major issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This can be found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to an AutoZone store and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If read more your key is blade type, a key fob, or has a large black or grey head, it will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.