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, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back 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 changes.
If not, you may need to get a new key made. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If electronic car key repair are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more smoothly. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay healthy and flexible.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an important element of your gear selector, and should not 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 restore your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery could cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car has been experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it is time for a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed and will require a special technician. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to an AutoZone store and a representative will use a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade style or key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.