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 happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy but be cautious. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even a little.
To accomplish this, you'll require a stable workspace, and pliers. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to test whether it will turn.
If not, you might require a new one created. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try applying some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of machines. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.
If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.
Call us if you need assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they need to be healthy and flexible.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, however there are some ways to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also offer a variety of other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is because the negative plates in your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign that you require a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this problem.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. remote key fob repair may be confused or cease communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way 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 is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a large grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.