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 engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or returning to home from work.
There are many solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers for this. Take the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you don't have access to your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or 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 with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.
If car key fob repair service own a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually make it in a couple of minutes.
In certain 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. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay healthy and supple.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. 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. They will help you find the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They can also provide you with many other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates in your car battery will start to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car is experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could require professional programming by an expert technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ machines to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a large grey/black head it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.