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 in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you are loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
There are many different solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are some of the most common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and could break if you bend it even a little.
To do this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Take one end of the key 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 inside the lock to see whether it turns.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you don't have access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your device.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be fixed easily. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or break off. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they require to be flexible and healthy.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer various other services, including transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition key but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. broken car key repair is because the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not due to a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed by an expert. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key with you to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ machines to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key is a blade style or a key fob or has a large black or grey head, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.