Automotive Key Repair – What to Do When Your Car Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition
We’ve all experienced this the car keys won’t turn in the ignition. It happens 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.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may appear simple but be cautious. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.
To do this, you’ll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Take the key fob repairs 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 put it inside the lock to see whether it will turn.
If not, you could require a new key made. You don’t need to call a locksmith and your key will function.
It’s a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don’t have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can get stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of machines. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the car’s model and manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair or replace every vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car’s gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by a mechanic right away. This is a security issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.
Most times the issue is fixable. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes.
In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they must be flexible and healthy.
It’s not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn’t be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it’s a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They also offer many other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition on 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 an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it’s time for an upgrade to your battery.
It’s possible that your issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify 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 is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the directions in your owner’s manual. 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 need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert. It’s worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner’s guide.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.