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 could occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're filling your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are some common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
To do this, you'll require a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Take the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. key repair car can then place it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have access to your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will help it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your device.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.
If you own 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 to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's crucial to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a security issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This issue is also a sign of more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most times the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually fix it within a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings 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, so they must be healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition key and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they go through an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is due to the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key has blade, fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.