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 engage in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or returning to home from work.
There are many different solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. It might sound easy but it's important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and may break if bent even slightly.
To accomplish this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Take the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to determine whether it will turn.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, you can try applying grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If car key fob repair own an older vehicle that has microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or break off. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system, allowing it move more fluidly. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer many other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition on and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could require professional programming by a special technician. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers installed 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. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade style or key fob or has a large black or grey head on it, it'll have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.