Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or returning to home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers for this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that has a key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
If you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
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 safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.
In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain healthy and supple.
It's not unusual for them to wear out in time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an important component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also offer various other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car has been having issues getting started in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it is time for a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working properly could solve this problem.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found key fob repair near me on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to an AutoZone store and a representative will use an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob or a thick grey/black head, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.