Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.
There are many solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and 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 a simple fix. It might sound easy but it's important to do it with care. The key is very thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Hold the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not without access to your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your device.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 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 components of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your car locks or keys! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to restore your gear selector device. They can also offer many other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. The negative plates of read more your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you require a new battery.
It's possible that the problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could require professional programming by an expert technician. It's worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them that here transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that more info the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
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 precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new here key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is equipped with an edge, a website fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.