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 happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are some common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple but be careful. The key is thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.
To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and an plier. Take the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then place it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you may need to get a new key made. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your device.
key fob repair near me and springs with pins
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission itself, which can be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they must be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
remote key fob repair are an important part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They also provide various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition key and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.
You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the directions in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of an expert. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new 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). This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade-style or key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.