Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car key refuses to engage the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Grab one end of the key using 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 inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your device.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.
lock key repair near me for gears
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue is also a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The most frequent reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.
In some cases 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 in order to keep it fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay healthy and supple.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector device. They can also offer many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. This is due to the negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which could result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car is having problems starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
It is possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning 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 when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming by a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is equipped with blade, fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.