Automotive Key Repair – What to Do When Your Car Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition
We’ve all been there: your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you’re filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can’t start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple but be careful. The key is thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.
To accomplish this, you’ll need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Take the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you could need to have a new one made. This will save you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.
It’s a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don’t find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you’re experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and 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 prevent water from destroying your device.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) may become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of machines. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It’s important to get your car to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some cases the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, and therefore need to be flexible and healthy.
It’s not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are a few ways to extend their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector, and shouldn’t be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it’s a good idea to go to an auto key fob repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer many other services like transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign you require a new battery.
It’s possible that the issue is not caused by a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
Another common repair keys near me for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the vehicle’s computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the directions in the owner’s guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn’t work for your Fob Key Repair Near Me, it may need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. However, it’s still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether 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 reasons.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner’s manual.
Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank how to repair car key fob 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 equipped with an edge, a fob or a large head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.
