Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the worst time, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
There are many different solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even a little.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, you may need to have 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 you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are 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 brand new vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! 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 an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem could also indicate bigger problems in the transmission system that could be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually make it in a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they require to be flexible and healthy.
You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide many other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
broken car key repair may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of a technician. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that sends a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at 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 dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to an AutoZone store and a representative will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade style, a key fob, or has a large grey or black head, it will have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.