Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or on your way to home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you could need to get a new key made. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your key will still work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your car keys or locks, give us call! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually make it in a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore require to be flexible and healthy.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector device. They can also provide you with many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, 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 covered with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Your mechanic should ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require a special technician. car key remote repairs trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you have is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.