Automotive Key Repair – What to Do When Your Car Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition
We’ve all been there – the car mobile key repair near me won’t engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you’re loading your trunk with groceries or when you’re returning to home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.
To do this, you’ll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you may require a new one made. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will function.
It’s a good idea to keep a spare remote key repair near me in your pocket so that you don’t find yourself without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you’re having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the car’s manufacturer and model.
Call us if you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair or replace any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It’s important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It’s a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. 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 unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn’t be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it’s a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also provide a range of other services, including transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don’t hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates of your car key fob repair near me battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this is an indication that it’s time for a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic’s check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.
A key fob that’s not working properly is another common automotive key repair car repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car key repair, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner’s manual. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn’t work for your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by a special technician. However, it’s still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option 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). It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner’s manual.
Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or a large head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.