Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your car with groceries or on your way to home from work.
There are many different solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and bending it just a little can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Hold the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it will turn.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to function with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a security issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This can also be a sign of larger issues in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually make it in a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and supple.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit 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 a variety of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures broken key repair or gets wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming that will require the assistance of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is a blade type or key fob or has a large black or grey head, it will have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.