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 engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or when you're returning home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and can break if bent even a little.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, you might require a new one made. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will still function.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) may 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 an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to repair.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to fix it within a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to make it more fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them healthy and supple.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an important component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through a natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside your car battery will start to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. 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 car key repair accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle it could 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 fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which will require the services of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go 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 key with you to an AutoZone store, and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.