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 on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or returning home from work.
Rather than panic There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you may need to have a new key made. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move more easily 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 get a more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two components of an equipment. In most instances, it is possible to remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This problem could also indicate more serious issues in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze more info and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First more info Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector device. They can also offer various other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates in your car battery here will start to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a read more transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. This signal tells an immobilizer that website the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to an AutoZone store and a representative will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade style, a key fob, or has a large black or grey head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.