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 engage the ignition. key car repair could occur at the worst moment, like when you're filling your car with groceries or heading home from work.
There are many different solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is very thin and may break if bent even slightly.
You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Take the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you may need to have a new one created. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try putting some 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. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your device.
repair car key that are snuck or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two parts of machines. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when 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. It could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
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If you turn the ignition key and hear only a click, then 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 begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved 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 the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed, which will require a special technician. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This can be found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to an AutoZone store, and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade-style or key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it'll require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.