Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car keys won't engage the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple but be careful. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even slightly.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has keys with microchips inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This problem is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system to keep it fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, so it's important to keep them in good shape and soft.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They can also offer many other services, such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign you require a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. car remote key repair is connected 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 harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming which will require the services of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade style or a key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it will require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.