Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this the car keys won't engage in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
Instead of click this , there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even slightly.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your existing key will work.
Keep My Source in your pocket to ensure you're not without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of a machine. In most instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when 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 your transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.
In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they stay healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector device. They also provide a variety of other services like transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, this is a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming, which will require the services of technicians. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them that sends signals to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If key fob repair have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is a blade type, a key fob, or has a large grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.