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 engage the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.
Rather than panic There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Hold the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Use key fob repairs that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) may become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair or replace any vehicle key.
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If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety 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 itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task within a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they need to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer many other services such as transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Your mechanic should make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of a technician. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling 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, the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will use machines to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key has a blade, a fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.