Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you are loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even slightly.
To do this, you'll require a stable workspace, and an plier. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you might need to have a new key made. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not left without access to your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two parts of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic right away. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to repair.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and here therefore must be healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are a few ways to prolong their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and break. It car remote key repair shop near me is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized get more info in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They can also provide various other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of check here your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery could cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you need a new battery.
It's possible that your problem is not a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming which will require the services of an expert. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them. It transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your car key repair shops near me owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is blade-style or key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.