Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - the car key won't engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or when you're returning home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are some of the most common automotive key problems and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy but it's important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and can break if bent even slightly.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you might require a new one created. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your key will still work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will enable it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a 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 damaging your important.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) may get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using 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 process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
Call us if you need assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to take it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-key-repairs-near-me/ can fix this in a few minutes.
In some instances the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also offer various other services such as transmission maintenance and service.
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 go through a natural process which causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause you to lose the power source in your car, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you need a new battery.
It's possible that the problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this problem.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of an expert. Try these easy methods before you buy the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether 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 in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ machines to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade type or a key fob or has a large grey or black head on it, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.