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 turn in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.
There are many solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and pliers. Grab the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it in the lock to see whether it will turn.
If not, you may require a new one made. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will function.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Call us if you need assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could be 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 within a few minutes.
In some cases the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to make it more fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay healthy and supple.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears 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 important part of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They also provide a variety of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If click here you turn the key in the ignition and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this issue.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, website or close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require an expert. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if click here it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers here put this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there note down remote car key repair near me the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has an edge, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.