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 in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common automotive key problems and solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their car key fob repairs near me. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Take the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid having to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying 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 are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become 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 most instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the car key repairs near me and manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to repair.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.
In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are some ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair car key fob shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector device. They can also provide you with a range of other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car remote Key Repair Shop near me battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If your car remote key fob repair is having problems getting started in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might require professional programming by a special technician. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car key repair service theft became a major issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will use a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob, or a thick grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.