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 engage in the ignition. It can occur at the worst time, such as when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.
There are many different solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are some of the most common automotive key problems and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
To do this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you may need to get a new one made. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of an equipment. In car key fob repair of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
If car remote key repair need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This problem can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. car key fob repair can also provide you with a range of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition key and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they go through a 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 crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a 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 off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming, that will require the assistance of technicians. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write 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 working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is a blade type, a key fob, or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.