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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 on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or on your way home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Take the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then place it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. This will save you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without access to your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your important.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. In most instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you have 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 need help with your keys for your vehicle 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 you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly.
repair car key function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also offer various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your issue is not caused by a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this problem.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob 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. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. 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 specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert technician. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the 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 large grey or black head it must be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.