It's The Automotive Key Repair Case Study You'll Never Forget
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 on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.
Rather than panic There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Grab the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. After that, you can place it in the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, how to repair car key fob could need to have a new one created. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you don't have access to your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of machines. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your car keys or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety concern and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission itself, which could be costly to repair.
Luckily, most of the time this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover joints within the gear system, allowing it move more easily. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, so they need to be flexible and healthy.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, however there are some things you can do to prolong their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They also provide many other services, including transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the directions in your owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.