Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this when the mobile car key repair near me's key doesn't engage in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you're filling your car with groceries or returning home from work.
There are many different solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are some common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you will need a stable workspace, and an plier. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own an older car that uses a microchip key fob repair it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair keys near me or replace any vehicle key.
Gear selector
If your remote car key repairs's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This problem could also indicate larger issues in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more easily. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they must be healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with many other services, including transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo a natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car has been experiencing problems starting in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may require professional programming and will require an expert. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern remote car key repair keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car key repair if it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade-style or key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it will require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.