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 could occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you are loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and bending it just a little can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may get stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of a machine. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! Related Homepag can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
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If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission that could be costly to repair.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points within the gear system to help it move more smoothly. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. 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 you locate the right parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They also provide many other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition key and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you need a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that sends signals to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize machines to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you are using has blade, fob, or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.