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 moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or on your way home from work.
There are many solutions to get you back on your way. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This might seem easy however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.
To do this, you'll require a stable workspace, and pliers. Hold the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you could need to have a new one made. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This problem can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and supple.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are some ways to extend their lifespan. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also provide many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If your car is having problems beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed and will require a special technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out the signal. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If key fob repair is blade-style or a key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.