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 engage the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are some common car key repair issues and their possible 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. key repairs may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is very thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Hold the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to test if it will turn.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer car that uses keys with microchips in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue could also indicate bigger problems in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice 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 find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also offer many other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car is having issues getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.
Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.
You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your device, it could need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of technicians. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you have is a blade style or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it will have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.