Don't Make This Mistake With Your Automotive Key Repair
Don't Make This Mistake With Your Automotive Key Repair
Blog Article
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 in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or on your way home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are some of the most common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even a little.
You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Grab the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should 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 could need to have a new one created. This will save you from having to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may get stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.
Call us if you need assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most times, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to make it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points within the gear system to help it shift more easily. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain healthy and supple.
You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer a repair car key remote variety of other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you need a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved 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 working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this does not fix the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of an expert. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade type or key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it'll have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.