Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your car with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. car remote key repair may appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you could need to get a new key made. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key works.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may get stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that is 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 the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have a newer car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic right away. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue could also indicate larger issues with the transmission itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around joints within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they remain healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are some things you can do to prolong their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an important element of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized 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 various other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition key and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign 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 verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If Read More Listed here does not fix your fob it may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits the signal. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a brand new 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 vehicle before you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade style, a key fob, or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.