Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or on your way to home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers for this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, you could require a new one created. You don't need to call a locksmith and your existing key will function.
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 damaged key.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also stop water from destroying your important.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. Pins are a tiny 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 parts of a machine. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme virtually any car key.
Selector for gears
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points in the gear system to help it shift more smoothly. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and flexible.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an important component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. how to repair car key lock is because the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been having issues beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get a new battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals 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 is wet.
It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming, which will require the services of an expert. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key has blade, fob, or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.