Automotive Key Repair – What to Do When Your Car Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition
We’ve all been there: the car key repairs key won’t turn in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you’re filling your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and could break if bent even a little.
To do this, you’ll need a stable workspace, and pliers. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock key repair near me (recommended site) to see if it changes.
If not, you could need to get a new one made. You don’t have to contact a locksmith and your key will still work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don’t have a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you’re experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try applying some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that is 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 a machine. 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 vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
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 safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This problem can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to keep it fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it’s important that they remain healthy and supple.
It’s not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an important component of your gear selector and shouldn’t be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to 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, including transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition but you don’t hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside your car battery will start to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it’s time to get an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this issue.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in the 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 usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the 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 by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn’t solve your device, it could need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of a technician. Try these easy methods before you buy the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard’s front or door jamb in your owner’s manual.
Bring your current working key car repair along to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your key repair car blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob or a large grey/black head it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.