Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience - the car key won't engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or on your way to home from work.
Rather than panic There are many options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is thin and can break if bent even a little.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers for this. Take one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. car key fob repair service can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes.
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 that your key works.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.
If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! 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 important to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points in the gear system, allowing it shift more smoothly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they remain healthy and supple.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, however there are a few ways to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an important element of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They also provide a variety of other services, including transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age they go through a natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset a 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 off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If car key lock repair near me doesn't solve the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of a technician. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
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 note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If car remote key repair shop near me is a blade-style or a key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.