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 could occur at the worst moment, like when you are loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is very thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.
To do this, you'll require a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you might need to have a new one made. This will save you from having to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of machines. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or using 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 complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly 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 is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to make it in a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore require to be flexible and healthy.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an important part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been experiencing problems starting in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not caused by a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve 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 solve your device, it could need to professionally programmed which requires the help of technicians. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In g28carkeys , car theft was a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for safety 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 can be found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store, and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.
