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 engage the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you are loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.
To do this, you'll need a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you don't have access to your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will enable it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If remote car key repair are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your important.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as fast 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 you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The cable that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually complete the task within a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system to help it shift more easily. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial to keep them healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to 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 turn the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you require a new battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming which requires the help of an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car if it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to an AutoZone store and an associate will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you have is a blade type or key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.