Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.
There are many different solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and can break if bent even a little.
To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and pliers. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. After that, you can place it inside the lock to test if it will turn.
If not, you may require a new key made. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key works.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your important.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that has a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This issue can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to www.g28carkeys.co.uk fix.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it move more smoothly. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they need to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. 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 the ones manufactured 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 that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also provide you with many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition on and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by 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 correctly.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming that will require the assistance of an expert. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends signals to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current key along to an AutoZone store and a representative will utilize machines to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you have is a blade-style or a key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.