Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key fob repair near me is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel 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 using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair or replace every vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic right away. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue can also be a sign of bigger problems with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair car key this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points in the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require a new battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is another common problem for automotive key repair car keys near me. The key fob is a small device that connects 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 when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that sends signals to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to change your keys repair is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. It is located on the dashboard's front or door key repair near me jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will utilize machines to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a large grey or black head it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.