Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It could occur at the worst time, such as when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are some common car key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy but it's important to do it with care. The key is thin and could break if you bend it even a little.
To do this, you'll need a stable workspace, and pliers. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. repair car key remote should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, you may require a new key made. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not without access to your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your device.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to fix it within a few minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they need to be flexible and healthy.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are some ways to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also offer many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they go through a natural process that causes them to die prematurely. key repair shop near me is because the negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If your car is having problems getting started 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 a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. remote car key repairs is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to 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. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.