Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or returning to home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Take one end of the key with 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 put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key works.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your important.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become 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 components of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue is easily fixable. The cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they need to be flexible and healthy.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are some things you can do to extend their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer many other services like transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you need a new battery.
It is possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. G28 Car Keys could be confused or stop communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's guide. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming which requires the help of a technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, transmits an indication. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key with you to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.