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 turn on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're filling your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. click the next site can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is very thin and may break if bent even slightly.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then place it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will save you from having to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key works.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will enable it move more easily 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 stop moisture from damaging your important.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of machines. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer car that uses keys with microchips in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace or programme virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue could also indicate more serious issues in the transmission system that could be costly to repair.
Most of the time, this problem 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. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system to make it more fluid. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, and therefore need to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also offer various other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in 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 early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it is time for a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, switch 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 might require professional programming and will require a special technician. Try these easy methods before you buy the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely 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 for your car before you can use it to start the motor.