Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car key refuses to engage the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are some of the most common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple but be cautious. The key is very thin and can break if bent even a little.
To accomplish this, you will need a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Take the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. repair car keys near me should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you may need to have a new key made. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your key will still work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If remote key repair near me own a newer car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually make it in a couple of minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's important to keep them healthy and supple.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, however there are some ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an important element of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also offer many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. This is due to the negative plates inside your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
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 you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign that you need a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of an expert. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. 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 replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely 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 hefty grey or black head, it will have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.