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 on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
There are many solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple but be cautious. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even a little.
To do this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not without access to your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel 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 most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or programme virtually any car key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, and therefore need to be healthy and flexible.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are a few ways to extend their life. First, you should avoid using remote key repairs the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an essential element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by 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 working properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, turn 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 your fob it may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of technicians. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current working key with you to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is blade-style, a key fob, or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.