Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or on your way home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple but be careful. The key is extremely 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. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to test whether it will turn.
If not, you might need to get a new key made. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.
Keep broken car key repair in your pocket to ensure you don't have access to your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your device.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your car keys or locks! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle 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 could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission system that could be costly to repair.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.
In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around joints within the gear system to help it shift more easily. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an important component of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also offer many other services such as transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, 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 begin to be 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 stop working. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed, which will require a special technician. It's worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ machines to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key has blade, fob or a thick grey/black head, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.