Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key problems and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy but it's important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.
To do this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, you may require a new key made. This will save 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 you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. www.g28carkeys.co.uk 's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The most frequent reason the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some instances the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have 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. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector device. They also offer various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition key and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you need a new battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.
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 as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or a large grey or black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.