Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This might seem easy however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even a little.
To do this, you'll require a stable workspace, and pliers. Hold the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. After that, you can place it in the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also stop water from destroying your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Call us if you need assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This issue is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.
Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is that one more info of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In some instances the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system, allowing it move more fluidly. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they stay in good shape and soft.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide various other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key how to repair car key lock in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age they undergo natural processes that cause here them to end up dying early. This is due to the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car is having issues getting started in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.
Key fobs that are not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the more info type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming, which requires the help of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key click here is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit 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 current working key along to an AutoZone store and a representative will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key 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.