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 in the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
Rather than panic There are many solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
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 also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may get stuck. Pins are 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 a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that uses keys with microchips inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you need help 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 becomes stuck in park mode, you need to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a security issue and you 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.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.
key fob repair is not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are a few ways to prolong their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. 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. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer many other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. This is because the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car has been experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.
You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might require professional programming by an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is equipped with blade, fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.