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 happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or returning home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy but it's important to do this carefully. The key is very thin and could break if bent even slightly.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you could need to have a new one made. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your key will still function.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not without access to your vehicle if it breaks.
If car remote key repair near me having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your device.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two components of machines. In most cases you can remove a nut 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 in order to function with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This issue could also indicate larger issues with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or become disconnected. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually fix it within a few minutes.
In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the joints within the gear system to help it move more smoothly. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they stay healthy and supple.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. 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 find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They also provide various other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing except a click, 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 prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
It's possible that the issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.
Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert technician. It's worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is a blade-style or a key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.