Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - the car key won't engage the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you are loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and an plier. Take one end of the key using 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 inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you might need to have a new one made. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key works.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that uses microchip keys it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
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 safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system, allowing it shift more fluidly. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, so they need to be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to restore the key repair for car gear selector mechanism. They can also provide a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you require a new battery.
It's possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may require professional programming and will require an expert technician. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has blade, fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.