Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: the car key won't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.
To do this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Take one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, you can try applying grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will enable it move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for a more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your device.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually make it in a couple of minutes.
In car key remote repair near me of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay healthy and supple.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They also provide many other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign that you require a new battery.
It's possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming which will require the services of technicians. Try these easy methods before you buy an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key has a blade, a fob or a large head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.