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 occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your car with groceries or on your way to home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see whether it turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid having to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.
If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover joints within the gear system to help it move more fluidly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
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 great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also provide you with various other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery may cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car has been experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Key fobs that are not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this does not fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key auto key repair to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that 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 has blade, fob or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.