Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst time, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
There are many solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is very thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.
To do this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Take the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then place it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will still function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
repair car key near me and springs with pins
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
If repair car keys near me need assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair or replace every vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can when 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 could be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be fixed easily. The cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to fix it within a few minutes.
In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they remain in good shape and soft.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are a few ways to prolong their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer various other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car and cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign that you require a new battery.
It's possible that the problem is not 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 all work correctly.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed by a special technician. It's worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that sends a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring car key lock repair near me working key to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob or a large head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.