Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is thin and could break if bent even slightly.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Take the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure 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 a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a security issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are a few ways to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. car remote key repair near me can also provide a range of other services, including transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, remote car key repair near me may not be caused by a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the directions in your owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming, which requires the help of technicians. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a representative will use machines to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is a blade style or a key fob or has a thick grey or black head on it, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.