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 in the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, like when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.
There are many different solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. After car key repair shop near me , you can place it in the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, you can try applying oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own 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 process can be simple or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your car keys or locks give us a call! We can repair or replace any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as fast 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. This could be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to repair.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical 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 specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also offer many other services like transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age they undergo a natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you require a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. car key repair shops near me can be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that sends signals to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. car keys repair is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is blade type or a key fob or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.