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 on the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're filling your car with groceries or driving home from work.
There are many different solutions to get you back on your way. Here are some common car key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may seem simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even a little.
To do this, you will need a stable workspace, and pliers. Take one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you might need to get a new one created. This will save you from having to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key works.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission itself, which can be costly to repair.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually fix 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 joints of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing 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 restore your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with various other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on and you hear only 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 may also cause your car to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this problem.
Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped working 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 accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the directions in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have 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 open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming, which requires the help of a technician. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. car remote key repair near me of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key has a blade, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.