Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or returning home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. auto key repair G28CarKeys is very thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
To accomplish this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Take one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. You don't need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of machines. In most instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Luckily, most times, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings form an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to restore your gear selector device. They can also provide you with various other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition on and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car is having issues beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. 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 may 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 lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this does not fix the issue, your device may require professional programming which will require the services of technicians. Try these easy techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car if it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key with you to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade style, a key fob, or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.