Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you are 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 some common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is very thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you will need a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, you could need to have a new one created. This will save you from having to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key works.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue can also be a sign of more serious issues in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or break off. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.
In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. repair car key near me www.g28carkeys.co.uk function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car has been having issues getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in 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 type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning 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 a special technician. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If the key you are using has blade, fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.