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 could occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
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. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers for this. Take the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to see whether it will turn.
If not, you might need to have a new one created. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key works.
link web site 's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer car that has a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason that the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some cases the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system to keep it fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they remain healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an important part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also provide various other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition on and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they get older, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an unresponsive 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 are working properly.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of a technician. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative 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 by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a hefty black or grey head, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.