Automotive Key Repair – What to Do When Your Car Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition
We’ve all experienced this – the car key won’t turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you’re filling your car with groceries or returning home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy but be cautious. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see whether it will turn.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key works.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you’re not without access to your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of machines. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car’s gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it’s crucial to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a security issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This issue could also indicate larger issues with the transmission itself, which can be costly to repair car mobile key fob repair (Learn Additional Here).
Luckily, most of the time this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some cases the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it’s a good idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to repair your gear selector repair car Key device. They can also provide you with many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
A key fob that’s not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the directions in the owner’s guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn’t fix your fob, it could require professional programming and will require a special technician. It’s worth trying these simple methods before you buy the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that sends signals to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner’s manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade type or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it’ll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.