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 happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.
To do this, you will need a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid having to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try putting some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help prevent 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 small 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 pieces of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own 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 is different based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This problem could also indicate larger issues with the transmission itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem 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. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system to keep it fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they must be flexible and healthy.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also offer various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car is having issues getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.
It is possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Your mechanic should make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming, that will require the assistance of technicians. It's worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). car key circuit board repair is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the 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 accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is a blade type or key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it'll need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.