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 in the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
To do this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key with the pliers, and then 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 into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will still work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.
If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by a mechanic right away. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This issue is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees, so it's important to keep them healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are an important element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also provide you with various other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, it is a good sign that it is time for a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.
Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in your owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming which will require the services of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If g28carkeys.co.uk have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is a blade type or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.