Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car keys won't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and may break if you bend it even a little.
To do this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Take the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. G28 Car Keys will also stop moisture from damaging your important.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older car that uses a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to function with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This problem could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system, allowing it move more smoothly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and flexible.
It's not unusual for them to wear out in time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide various other services, such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into 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 die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed by an expert. It's worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob or a thick grey or black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.