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 happen at the worst possible moment, like when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their car. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy but be cautious. The key is extremely thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and pliers. Hold the key on 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. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you might need to get a new one made. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This problem can also be a sign of bigger problems with the transmission that could be costly to repair.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever can snap or become disconnected. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. They work in a similar manner to 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 some ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been having problems getting started in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this does not fix the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to an AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. car key fob repair near me will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade-style or key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it'll need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.