Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car keys won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or on your way home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and may break if bent 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 and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to test whether it turns.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will save you from needing to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 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 cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
key fob repair near me to get your car to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more fluidly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and supple.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
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 have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you need a new battery.
It is possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them that sends a signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is blade type, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.