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 turn on the ignition. It could occur at the worst time, such as when you are 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 a few of the most common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
To accomplish this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Hold the key at 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, car key remote repair near me can put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You don't need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is 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 a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system to keep it fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also provide a variety of other services, including transmission maintenance and service.
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 undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the power source in your car and cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain 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. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the 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 in order to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key has a blade, a fob or a thick grey or black head it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.