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on 5 hours ago
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're filling your car with groceries or driving home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to get you back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see whether it turns.
If not, you may need to have a new one made. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you don't have a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.
If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take 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. This could be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to repair key.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be fixed easily. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also provide various other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign that you need a new battery.
It is possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming, that will require the assistance of an expert. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the car remote key repair to begin. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key has a blade, a fob key repair near me, or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.
There are a variety of solutions to get you back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see whether it turns.
If not, you may need to have a new one made. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you don't have a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.
If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take 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. This could be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to repair key.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be fixed easily. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also provide various other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign that you need a new battery.
It is possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming, that will require the assistance of an expert. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the car remote key repair to begin. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key has a blade, a fob key repair near me, or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.