Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car keys won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or returning home from work.
There are many different solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple but be cautious. The key is thin and could break if you bend it even a little.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Take one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid having to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key works.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not left without access to your vehicle if it breaks.
If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) may get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own a brand new car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This problem could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission system that could be costly to repair.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. electronic key repair near me g28carkeys are put around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, so they must be flexible and healthy.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, however there are some things you can do to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They also provide many other services such as transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car is having issues beginning in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this problem.
Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed by an expert. Try these easy methods before you buy a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store, and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a thick grey/black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.