Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you could need to get a new one created. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will still function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will enable it move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become 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 parts of machines. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme virtually any car key.
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If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue can also be a sign of bigger problems with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because 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 within a few minutes.
In some instances the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system to keep it fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they need to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector device. They can also offer various other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. This is due to the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been having problems getting started in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is a blade style or a key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.