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 engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning to home from work.
There are many solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and may break if bent even slightly.
You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to see whether it will turn.
If not, you may need to have a new key made. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try applying some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will enable it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. central locking key repair is used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or programme virtually any car key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This problem can also be a sign of larger issues in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more easily. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they need 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 during extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates in your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been having issues starting in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time for a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this problem.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert technician. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current 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. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.