Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you are loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.
There are many solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This can be 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 might require a new one made. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will help it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) may get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has a key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.
Most times the issue is fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually fix it within a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. car key repair cost are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system, allowing it move more easily. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore require to be flexible and healthy.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer a variety of other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age they undergo a natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.
Key fobs that are not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of a technician. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. car key repair cost tells the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key with you to an AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade-style or a key fob or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.