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 occur at the worst time, such as when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.
There are many different solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are key lock repair near me and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and can break if bent even slightly.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Take the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best 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, you might require a new one created. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key works.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme virtually any car key.
Gear selector
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This problem is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission that could be costly to repair.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system, allowing it move more easily. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also offer many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is due to the negative plates in your car battery will start to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car is experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car, 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 a lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this does not fix your fob it may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out a signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
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 prior to you leave. It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key has a blade, a fob or a thick grey/black head it must be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.