Automotive Key Repair – What to Do When Your Car Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition
We’ve all been there – your car key repair service key refuses to turn in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
There are many different solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can’t start their vehicle. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple but be cautious. The key is thin and could break if bent even a little.
To accomplish this, you’ll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. 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. After that, you can place it in the lock to test whether it turns.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.
It’s a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don’t find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car’s manufacturer and model.
Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car’s gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it’s crucial to bring it to a mechanic right away. It’s a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This problem could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.
Most times the issue is fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, and therefore need to be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings form an essential element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also offer a variety of other services like transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition but hear only 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 be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you require a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your vehicle’s computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner’s guide. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn’t fix your fob, it could require professional programming by an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them. It transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct to allow the car where to repair car key remote key repair (why not try here) start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner’s manual.
Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a large grey/black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.