Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you are loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple but it's important to do this carefully. The key is very thin and could break if bent even a little.
To do this, you will need a stable workspace, and an plier. Take the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you could need to get a new key made. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you don't have access to your vehicle if it breaks.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of machines. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If how to repair car key fob own an older car that uses a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to function with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
remote key fob repair for gears
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be fixed easily. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. 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 wear out over time, however there are a few ways to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer a range of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they go through an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car is having issues getting started in cold weather, this is a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may require professional programming and will require an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends signals to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option 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). This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.