Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is thin and may break if bent even slightly.
To do this, you will need a stable workspace, and an plier. Take the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it in the lock to test whether it turns.
If not, car remote key repair could be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from having to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key works.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can sometimes get stuck. A pin is a small piece of steel 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 an equipment. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic right away. It's a safety issue 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 having bigger problems, which are costly to repair.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They also offer various other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign you need a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note 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 guide.
Bring your current working key with you to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is a blade style or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it will require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.