Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.
There are many solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are some common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even slightly.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is 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 machines. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older car that uses microchip keys it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your car keys 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, it's crucial to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This can also be a sign of larger issues in the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. repair car key , the cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they remain healthy and supple.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also provide various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside your car battery will start to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign that you require a new battery.
It's possible that the issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. A mechanic's check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming which will require the services of a technician. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that sends signals to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade type or key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.