Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you're filling your car with groceries or heading home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you may require a new key made. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your key will still function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your important.
key fob repair near me and springs that are stuck
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of machines. In the majority of instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to fix it in a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are some things you can do to prolong their life. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also provide you with various other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, 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. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.
Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix the issue, your device may require professional programming which will require the services of technicians. Try these easy methods before you buy an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current working key with you to an AutoZone store and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key has blade, fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.