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 engage the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you’re loading your trunk with groceries or on your way home from work.
There are many solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is thin and could break if bent even a little.
To do this, automotive key repair you’ll require a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you may need to get a new key made. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you’re not left without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you’re having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal 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 most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car’s gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. It’s a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue is easily fixable. 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 make it in a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it move more fluidly. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and supple.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also provide a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. This is because the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose the power source in your car, causing the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you’ve been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
It’s possible that the problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle’s computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in the owner’s guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn’t fix your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require an expert. It’s worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car key button repair keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car if it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner’s manual.
Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key repair shops near me. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you have is a blade style or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it’ll have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.