Automotive Key Repair – What to Do When Your Car Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition
We’ve all had this experience – the car remote key repair shop near me key won’t turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you’re filling up your trunk with groceries or when you’re returning home from work.
There are many different solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you’ll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don’t have access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you’re having issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
Call us if you need assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
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 safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This issue is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points within the gear system, allowing it move more smoothly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they must be flexible and healthy.
It’s not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are some ways to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, and shouldn’t be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair car keys near me shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also offer many other services, including transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If your car has been having issues starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign 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 an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.
A key fob that’s not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle key repairs and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the directions in your owner’s manual. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn’t solve your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require an expert. But it’s still worth attempting these steps before you decide how to repair car key fob shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner’s manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate 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 or a key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it will have to be programmed to the specific mobile car key repair near me (Highly recommended Website) you own before it can be used to start the engine.
