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 happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or returning to home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, automotive key repair you might need to have a new one created. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some grease 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 apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel 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 a machine. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or program almost every vehicle mobile key repair.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This issue could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The cable that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually complete the task within a few minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system to help it move more smoothly. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, Automotive Key Repair such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover keyless entry repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to repair car key remote the gear selector mechanism. They also provide many other services like transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. This is due to the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car has been experiencing problems starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
It's possible that the issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working 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 accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. Try these easy methods before you buy the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car key remote repair near me whether it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you own 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 car keys repair prior to you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.
We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or returning to home from work.Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, automotive key repair you might need to have a new one created. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some grease 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 apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel 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 a machine. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or program almost every vehicle mobile key repair.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This issue could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The cable that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually complete the task within a few minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system to help it move more smoothly. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, Automotive Key Repair such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover keyless entry repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to repair car key remote the gear selector mechanism. They also provide many other services like transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. This is due to the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car has been experiencing problems starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
It's possible that the issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working 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 accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. Try these easy methods before you buy the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car key remote repair near me whether it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you own 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 car keys repair prior to you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.